Monticello Ghost Town and a Hike through Monticello Box Canyon

We decide to take a drive to hike Monticello Box Canyon and visit the ghost town of Monticello which we missed on our drive to Chloride.

We couldn't see it coming as the Hill was blocking the view! 

Then of course by the time we figured out this sign we were almost off the end of the road!

But we finally made it into Monticello

Not a lot to the Town,  the 1867 San Ignacio Catholic Church still stands and is attended by parishoners.  The town was renamed for one of its original settlers from Monticello NY.

I think this was one of the first Schools without Walls. 

Not sure where we are going from here as the directions are sketchy - the canyon and the place where Geronimo was captured are not published as they are on private land.  We stop at the Winston General Store to gas up just in case.  Surprisingly the gas in this one store town is cheaper than in Truth or Consequences.

After turning down a road and ending up on someones ranch, we are given directions by the rancher, We head to the Canyon and go past these guys - the other white meat!


 we soon find the 4 wheel drive road in. 

We know we're in the right spot when we see this sign.  Geronimo was captured here in 1877.  This is where the Warm Springs Apaches used the waters known as Ojo Caliente

We follow the flow upstream

and end up at the Warm Springs - Tucson thinks its great!

Head back down and over to the Box Canyon 

Apparently, you can actually drive through the Canyon to the town of Monticello.  Had we known we might have taken that route here.   

But the walk is much more interesting 

and Tucson had a blast

The walk went through some open areas as well.  We walked for a mile or two before turning around.

Bet you can't find me in these bushes! 

In an attempt to dry off Tucson before heading back, Gary tried this method . . . I pointed out that there was the water logged road ahead - so he got the old fashioned towelled off method.

A really cool hike!

Till Later!

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa, Gary & Tucson