Apache Maid

Historians agree that during the area's pioneer days, an incident involving an Apache girl made her a local legend. The specifics are lost to time, but the name Apache Maid has been applied to a mountain, a ranch, a cabin, a road, and the area in general. Apache Maid Ranch was owned by the Babbitts, a prominent northern Arizona family that created a mercantile company, numerous local leaders, and a Senator. The Apache Maid road travels through the center of today's geography and the era's history. In the east, Apache Maid winds through the tall, stately ponderosa forest that dominates the vast Coconino National Forest. As the road loses elevation, the pines give way to scattered juniper, canvas-tan grasslands, and beautiful views. The Apache Maid cabin, an old ranch house, sits up a short lane. With its fire watchtower, Apache Maid Mountain looms over the trail's western end. With plenty of camping available and a trail offering a few challenges, Apache Maid makes for a great Arizona wheeling experience.