Back from a couple of days in the Peloncillos near Steins Pass, where
I-10 crosses the AZ-NM state line. First really BIG poppy fields we've
seen yet this spring -- these are the big, showy fields that make the
covers of Arizona Highways. You just about have to wear sunglasses to
look at 'em. They're growing in what's ordinarily bare gravel, so no
competition, and maximum showiness.

The closest BIG patch to I-10 is at the rest stop just W of state line,
but a) it's across the double-track RR and b) it was looking a little
shopworn by Thurs PM (3-17). Best access for sedans is to exit at Steins
(1st NM exit), cross the tracks, and go N on the graded county road
towards Summit (no sign). Plenty of poppies along the first few miles.
Those with 4x4s may want to do what we did, which is follow the pipeline
road from San Simon to the co. rd and back to Steins -- take the graded
county rd. N from near the truck weigh station at San Simon. Pipeline
road is DEFINITELY 4x4 only, though cautiously-driven HCVs could make it
to the obvious spot. Hint: you could go *down*, but not back up. There
are lots of old ranch/mining roads and trails, especially near Steins,
so you can drive close to many of the big poppy fields. Bring your
camera! [1]

Note: there is NO RR CROSSING between San Simon and Steins! Nights are
still chilly at 4000 ft, if you plan to camp. Or even if you don't <g>
-- this is wild, lonely country, and a very long walk for help if you
break down. This isn't a place you want to put a rock through the oil
pan of the wife's Subaru [1] There are cell-phone towers in both San
Simon (white flasher) & Steins, so if you can climb up high enough to
see either place, your phone *might* work.

It would be interesting to fly over this part of the Peloncillos to see
just how many poppies there really are. Billions and billions! For sure
many square miles of 'em in total. They got rain showers this weekend
and had lots of buds, so should be good for another week or two.

You'll also see lots of bladderpod, blue dicks, phacelia, brittles &
tackstem. Plus purple bladderpod, bajada lupines, yellow evening
primrose, orange globemallow, rock daisies, blue gilia, blue flax and a
bunch more I've forgotten. In classic Western scenery: "peloncillos"
means "little baldies" -- rugged redrock spires, towers and buttes,
complete with 'lost' gold mines and no other people -- we saw not one
other person/vehicle between San Simon & Steins.

Flowers are starting to come out in the low hills N of I-10 E to the
Safford exits. Safford BLM reports good blooms near Duncan, Clifton, and
the Black Hills National Byway.

Happy hunting!

Pete  Tillman, the poppy prospector
Tucson

[1] Don't do like us, when we discovered that the camera batteries were
dead, and the spare set was back in Tucson....

[2] Long story, but at least it was just 5 mi from the hiway. No, I
didn't ruin the motor....