Geology, peaks rule on road to Superior

The road from Florence Junction to Superior climbs just over1,000 feet in15 miles, leading into some of the most geologically interesting and visually appealing mountains in the region. Notice how the low-desert scrub gives way to piñon, juniper and scrub oak as you proceed.

Copper ruled Superior for decades; nowadays, the rustic mining town, taking its lead from Bisbee and Jerome, is trying to position itself as a tourist destination. Film fans may remember it as the location for the1997 movie “U Turn,” which starred Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Lopez and Billy Bob Thornton. Things to note along the way:

This landmark towers above the desert west of Superior — its distinctive, slightly saddle-shaped peak visible for miles. Although an unofficial, 2-mile-long trail leads to jaw-dropping vistas at the top, the route is rough and steep in many places, narrow and hard to follow in others. Don’t say we didn't warn you. Mid- Florence Junction way between mile markers 221 and 222, look for the trailhead parking sign on the right.

928-402-6200.

The arboretum bills itself as a “living classroom,” boasting a collection of plants from around the globe. (It has

Superior more than 800 kinds of cactus.) Educational programs include classes on basic landscape design and docent-led walks during which you learn how to identify birds, butterflies and lizards.

3 miles west of Superior on U.S. 60. $5-$10. 520-689-2811, azstate parks.com/Parks/BOTH. Total miles: About 110 miles, round trip, from central Phoenix. Take Interstate 10 east to U.S. 60. Go about 40 east miles to Florence Junction, then continue another 15 miles to Superior. Don’t miss: The World’s Smallest Museum in Superior. It won’t take long to tour the 134square-foot museum, loaded with the bric-abrac of daily life. Glass display cases hold everything from prehistoric pottery to a frying pan from the 1850s to a Beatles poster from the 1960s to the world’s largest Apache Tear obsidian stone. Details: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. 1111 W. U.S. 60, Superior. Free. 520-6895800.

Los Lounge:

Hermanos

There’s nothing fancy about this restaurant, but if you’re looking for a hearty selection of Mexican and American food at a reasonable price, Los Hermanos is hard to beat. Don’t miss the homemade tortillas.

835 W. U.S. 60, Superior. 520689-5465, www.loshermanosrestaurant .com. Whether you’re planning a trip or are in the middle of one, it points you to more than 500 of the best places to eat, play and stay around the state. You’ll find top 10 lists for spas, casinos, wineries and more. All the items were chosen by

experts in things to do, dining and travel. Also on the site, you’ll find videos, photos, maps and ways to share your finds with friends.

Go to exploreaz.azcentral.com on your smartphone or tablet and plan your getaway now.

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