Article and photos

By Anne Groebner

About a week ago, I was invited to hike with Ron Miller and about 20 students from Cibecue. Any time I hike a mountain trail with Miller, “I find more than I seek!” In fact, as I am writing this, a fortunate crew of TRACKS hikers, are enjoying an amazing annual hike, with not only Miller, but our local bird genius, Rob Bettaso. They are trekking across the wild, old-growth trail in the Mount Baldy Wilderness. They are discovering a plethora of nature’s mysteries hidden to the eye of a layperson, but brought to the surface by a career forester and veteran biologist.

Miller guides hikes weekly for Fool Hollow State Park. Last week, teacher Zerlina De Lara, a few other teachers and Jonah Beach, brought about 20 students and some family members from Cibecue, (Fort Apache Indian Reservation), to hike around Fool Hollow Lake with Miller, and I got to tag along — we couldn’t have picked a better day.

Miller and I pulled into the park around 9:00 a.m. As a State Park volunteer, Ron had to stop to put the time into an app, and then as we continued toward the ramada where we would meet the students, we stopped to guide a tarantula across the road. Mr. Tarantula wasn’t amused and lifted his abdomen, which I learned later he did to flick thousands of tiny barbed urticating hairs in defense. Ron left him, and we wished him the best of luck getting across the road.

The bus from Cibecue pulled in about 9:30 a.m. and kids, teachers, and family members exited, carrying packs, water, and snacks for our anticipated adventure. They climbed into their seats, and after everyone was settled, they received a smoky bear sticker. Because of our drought situation, Miller talked to them about the dangers of playing with matches and fires.

An incredible view of the lake supplements the trail at Fool Hollow. I have paddled on the lake in the past, but this was my first time hiking the trail. I was surprised at how beautiful it was and amazed at how much we learned along the way — many things that would help with survival if we were ever lost in a forest. Not only did Miller point out the many medicinal plants and natural occurrences, such as lightning and fallen trees, but a special guest — and bus driver that day — Jonah Beach, interpreted the names in Apache. He also explained the different uses the Apaches had for specific plants.

From pointing out wild grapes and wild blackberries to the “vanilla” smell of a ponderosa, we were taught not only modern-day uses but how the Apache elders used them. For example, the “Apache Kool-aid” plant (Chinkoozhe) is not only used to quench thirst, but according to Beach, the branches are used to make burden baskets.

After tasting the tart and delicately tiny red berries — something I might not have tried before knowing what they were — we continued back to the ramada. We took a group photo, gave them coloring books, provided by John Orona from the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and then we said goodbye to a wonderful and well-behaved group of kids. Kids who were intent on learning the natural lives of plants, animals and their benefits to us as humans. We learned things any hiker might have walked past, not knowing what lurked behind or on a rock, alongside the trail or in a cave. This is my favorite way to hike — to always keep learning.

On our way out of the park, Miller stopped by the many painted walls produced by Northern Pioneer College artists. I was told they were done with much intent and careful planning, and they are pretty amazing — well worth a trip to Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area.

For information about hiking with Ron Miller at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, go to www.azstateparks.com/fool-hollow/

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect (started June 25, 2026). Campfires and grilling are not permitted, except for flames fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off; no smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle. As of this writing, we are in Stat 2 Fire Restriction; however, if there is not any rain soon, they could move forward with more restrictions, including closing the forest.

Because of low water levels, both boat launch ramps are closed. Because of historically low water levels, fishing docks may also be completely out of the water. Kayaks and personal watercraft must be launched and carried by hand.

  The park entrance gate opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.