The Sierra Ancha are an extensive range of rugged mountains stretching southward from the Mogollon Rim at Young, Arizona to the banks of the Salt River north of Globe. Length of the range north to south is approximately 43 km. and east to west 32 km. There are many riparian canyons disecting this rather well-watered range each with many wonderful natural areas worth exploring. Coon Creek is at the southeast end where the elevation at the road crossing is 816 m.. Here habitats adjacent to the stream bed are primarily upland Sonoran Desert with Saguaro Cactus, Mesquite and Palo Verdes. Temperatures in summer routinely surpass 38° C. so many plants found at the upper elevational limits of sycamore woodlands in Arizona are absents, replaced by more heat-tolerant species including those that do not survive extended subfreezing temperatures.
To reach Coon Creek, drive north from Globe, Arizona, on the Apache Trail, SR 188 about 15 miles to the Globe-Young Hwy. Globe-Young Hwy. is SR-288 and crosses the Salt River 6 miles north. Less than 3 miles north of the Salt River turn right off SR-288 onto Cherry Creek Rd. and proceed about 10 miles to the Coon Creek crossing and FR #6. There several rough, but well-shaded campsites here without facilities. South of Cherry Creek Rd. is another road FR # 444 where off-road vehicle use has increased to the detriment of the habitat.
A visit was made to this canyon on 8 Aug. 2009. The summer monsoon rains had thus far been very meager and few plants had greened up. For birds the most important thing going were ripening canyon grapes along the creek bed. Grapes that were still mostly green were being taken because so little else was available. Water was still flowing in the creek but stretches were dry above ground as a very hot sun beat down. Most of Arizona during 2009 saw only a fraction of the usual summer rain amounts so that breeding success of the birds and seed production by the plants was poor. But because water was still present, this riparian habitat had become an all-important refuge for surviving wildlife.
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Even in death, Arizona Sycamore trees remain a vital component in the ecology of riparian woodland galleries. The wood is riddled with holes and nest cavities that continue to serve the needs of mammals, birds, reptiles and many invertebrates. This fallen sycamore is now supported by a younger tree that could well be its own offspring!
Map of Sierra Ancha and Coon Creek
View Coon Creek in a larger map. The blue pathway shows extent of nearly closed canopy woodland dominated by Arizona Sycamore. Public access is made at the light green balloon, but access to the upper canyon is restricted by a locked gate (red).
