b'SAFFORDDankworth Pondazstateparks.com100 species of birds recorded. A homestead cabin, rockArizona football stadium, and another explains part art, and cliff dwellings show evidence of the occupationof the history of astronomy. Visitors can also look of this important perennial stream by early inhabitants.through the Governor Aker Observatory telescope to Rafting, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, birdwatching,see the Sun through special filters. The scenic drives, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking,Space Shuttle Polaris takes visitors on sightseeing, historic interpretation, camping, horsebacka virtual tour through the solar system. riding, photography, swimming, wildflower viewing,This high-tech motional simulator blastsThe Swift Trail Parkwayfour-wheel driving, and hunting are all available here. off from the Discovery Park Campus, over the 10,720 foot Mt. Graham, to visit Developed campgrounds include the 13-uniteach of the planets in the solar system. Riverview Campground and the seven-unit Owl CreekThe onboard computer describes the Campground. BLM.gov journey to make it a very educational and entertaining experience. Hold on because EASTERN ARIZONA COLLEGE\'Swe don\'t want any crash landings! EAC.edu/DISCOVERY PARK CAMPUSDiscoveryPark/mgio.shtm, 928-428-6260Discovery Park is the official visitor\'s center for theTHE SWIFT TRAIL PARKWAYtelescopes on Mount Graham. They conduct weekendIt is a 33-mile route that rises from about tours of the Mount Graham International Observatory3,200 feet at the beginning of the road on the highest point in the Pinaleno Mountains.to 10,717 feet at the summit of Mount Weather permitting, the tours begin in mid-MayGraham. This is a steep route that offers and go through October. The tour features a trip upsome incredible views as it climbs almost to scenic Mount Graham, focusing on the mountain\'sthe top of one of southern Arizona\'s famous rich geology, history, and diversity of life; a lunch near"sky islands." Temperatures at the top of the the summit of the mountain; and a guided tour of themountain are usually 20F cooler than atmapio.netobservatoriesThe Submillimeter Telescope, thethe bottom.Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, and the Large Binocular Telescope (the worlds largest telescope)!Figure on taking at least 90 minutes to driveGovernor Aker ObservatoryBecause permits are required to enter the endangeredthis sharply twisting and windy road from the red squirrel refugium, reservations are required.junction with US Highway 191 to the end of the Governor Aker Observatory is an astronomicalroad. In driving the Swift Trail Parkway you go from observatory that is part of Discovery Park. OpeningSonoran desert scrub through desert grasslands, on November 18, 1995, it became Discovery Park\'sthen through a dense zone of oak-sage chaparral, first attraction. It claims to have the world\'s largestand then into open stands of Ponderosa pine, known camera obscura. The main attractions availableDouglas fir, spruce, and aspen.to the public are conducted in the Governor AkerThe road is paved, except for the last four miles Observatory building. All of these activities are offeredinto Riggs Flat Lake. That last four miles is free of charge (except for special events). The Governorsometimes closed in winter. The route is almost Aker Observatory houses a series of galleries allowingentirely within Coronado National Forest and visitors the opportunity to view artifacts from earlythere are multiple campsites, campgrounds, Gila Valley history on loan from the Graham Countypicnic areas, overlooks, and trailheads along the Historical Society, including a heliographused by theway. The area sees a lot of traffic in summer but army in the late 1800s to communicate using the sun tothe real busy seasons are spring and fall when send Morse code signals, and a collection of mineralsmore than 300 species of migratory birds make mined in the region. their semi-annual appearances.Other gallery exhibits demonstrate to visitors how light is composed of many colors and light waves. Visitors learn about the Sun and can enter a room to hear the sounds of space. Another exhibit demonstrates how telescope mirrors are constructed under the University of ArizonaRealCountry.com January 2022 25'