Western Scenery Enjoyed on TWHBEA^SM / Ghost Riders Co-Hosted Trail Ride

By Beverly Best Brown
©Voice, February 2007

Tombstone AZ - Tombstone, San Pedro River, and the Ghost Town of Fairbanks all served to entertain the riders on the TWHBEA^SM / Ghost Riders trail ride.

Cowboy Doug Evans, proprietor of the Tombstone Livery Stables located at the edge of historic Tombstone, welcomed all to his facility for the weekend. Trailers started arriving on Friday evening and, after settling the horses for the evening, some ventured into Tombstone to savor the atmosphere.

Saturday morning arrived with another of Arizona’s beautiful fall days, sunny and 80 degrees on November 11th! When all were ready to ride, there were 31 mounted riders ready to head out.

Leaving the livery stable we headed into the desert riding through creosote brush to a wide sandy wash that headed us west to the San Pedro River. At one area along the wash, which was pointed out to the riders, Wyatt Earp is supposed to have set up camp with his brothers and their families after the fateful gunfight.

We then followed the old railroad bed toward Fairbanks for a short distance. This is the remains of the railroad to Tombstone, which carried ore out of town and supplies into town.

Again we dropped down into a large wash, now dry but a fast flowing river during rainy seasons. We used this wash as a wide sandy avenue to the west. This brought us to the ghost town of Fairbanks on the bank of the San Pedro River. We rode three miles around the edge of town to the river were everyone partook of the beautiful scenery. After a rest and time for the horses to drink, including one bath, we headed into Fairbanks where we tied up and enjoyed the nice picnic area located among the ruins of the old town.

Some of the old buildings are in the process of restoration with the school nearing completion. The town served as a gas stop for early automobiles until the 1930s and the old service station/general store is to be restored in the future.

The San Pedro River is the last free flowing north river in Arizona originating in Mexico. The river is a flight route for birds and birders share the river with horsemen. A conservancy has been formed to protect this part of the river and work to keep the beauty intact.

After a break and some exploration of the ruins, we all mounted for the ride back to the livery stable. Arriving at the stable we were treated to grilled burgers, beans, chips, and drinks by our host Cowboy Doug. He also treated us to some of his cowboy poetry while we enjoyed the meal.

Comments on the ride were good with most ready to try to set up similar rides in other parts of the state.