A little background on how I came to be in Arizona. I had interviewed in Cleveland, Ohio with recruiters from AMFAC, the company operating many resort facilities across the USA. These people were from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I was seeking a facilities maintenance position. Without promise of a position, I loaded what worldly possessions I did not give away, into a rental truck with auto in tow and headed west. To make a long story short, I came to the decision to travel for a while. Ten year later, I believe I can always make that choice to work there. I ended up traveling high and low, north, south, east and west in Arizona. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 1200-1500 miles. My favorite campgrounds and hikes will follow in this thread.

My trip started just after Labor Day 1997. Still warm at elevation and still monsoon season. Those not having experienced desert monsoon storms may not know how violent they can be. After Labor Day NF campgrounds in many areas close. Those open get little use. Ten X, in fact, closes down around the end of the month. In fact, despite warm days, the nightime temperatures were already getting chilly. I stayed around 5 days and had a great time. The campground hosts were very cordial and informative. There is a fence around the campground keeping many larger animals out. However, inside my little tent, I could hear the sounds of Elk bugling and coyotes yaping.

Lakeffect--I agree with you, Ten-X is a super campground. Have you enjoyed Reef Townsite campground above Sierra Vista? Not this time of year, it's snowed in, but nice break from summer heat. Plus it has about a 270 degree view from Rincons to beyond the Mule Mountains. If you have a chance think about a visit to the renovated DeMotte Park campground, Kaibab NF's North Rim, is nice and convenient to Grand Canyon NP.

Since you're talking about Arizona, we were there about 10 years ago. Started out from Pennsylvania in the middle of April figuring to avoid the crowds. The 3rd night we spent in Amarillo, Texas. It was 90*. The next night we were in Galup,NM were it was 16* and snowing. I remember it well because the one gas tank ran dry in the middle of the night and I had to go out and switch to the other.It was cold!
From there we stayed in Williiams at Circle Pines KOA. It was about 32* and there was snow on the ground.Since they had indoor hot tubs and pool, we put on our suits and walked across the snow for a dip.We checked out a NF campground just outside Williams that had a small lake.Went to the Grand Canyon and then headed to Cottonwood and stayed at Dead Horse Ranch State Park where the weather was about 80*.
It's amazing the different temps you find that time of year.Left there and headed to Canyon De Chelly.Went past a number of NF campgrounds that were closed. We have never stayed at any NF campgrounds in the west,but have stayed at a few back east and really like them.One day I hope to get west of the Mississippi again and check some out.

RGar - You are looking forward to discovering more in the West. Fred and I are looking forward to doing the same east of the Mississippi. Bottomline - there is lots to discover in our national forests no matter where you go. FYI - Last week the Grand Canyon, South Rim, morning temperature was -14 and this morning its -5 in Flagstaff but a toasty 28 with snow on the ground here in Bisbee

No worry, by noon most of the snow will be melted and we'll have traded our down coats for demin jackets.