Aspen and Stump

Southeastern Arizona geography is basin and range topography. Mount Graham is located there and it towers 10,000 feet above the town of Safford. It's part of the Coronado National Forests which is called the Islands in the Sky. Arizonians escape there to seek refuge from the 110+ degree summer temperatures. Because distances of 50 miles or more separate these areas, they often have unique sub-species. The Coronado Forest is known for unique squirrels, spectacular humming birds and observatories.

In Arizona, Aspen are found at elevations above 7,000 feet so they're a welcome sight. Unlike our neighboring states of New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, they're not abundant. We always stop at groves to get our 'Ansel Adams Aspen' shot. Ansel relax. We haven't begun to come close yet.