GATEWAY TO PASSAGE 13: Oracle
A small town perched between the San Pedro River and the Santa Catalina Mountains, Mammoth was founded in 1872 as Mammoth Camp, to serve the nearby Mammoth Mine. It later became a bedroom community for those working the massive San Manuel Mine, which closed in 2003. While few services exist in this rural Copper Corridor locale, the Mexican food is widely considered the best in this part of Arizona. Other attributes include Mammoth’s epic views of the Galiuro Mountains and access to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.
Mammoth is one of many small towns within the Copper Corridor that welcome AZT travelers to its restaurants, markets, and shops.
POPULATION 1,457
POST OFFICE 230 South Main Street, 85618, 520-487-2861: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
INTERNET VENUES Mammoth Public Library, inside Mammoth Town Hall, 125 Clark Street, 520-487-2026: Free Wi-Fi.
Circle K, 307 AZ 77, 520-487-2621
Corker’s One Stop 732 AZ 77, 520-487-2411
La Casita, 400 AZ 77, 520-487-9980
Las Michoacanas, 337 AZ 77, 520-487-2380
77 Drive In, 102 North AZ 77, 520-487-2783
Foster’s Lodge, 712 North AZ 77, 520-487-1904, fosterslodge.com: Outdoor pool, views of the Galiuro Mountains, and Wi-Fi.
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness: A perennial stream slices through a stunning canyon filled with myriad birds, wildlife, and lush riparian vegetation. A permit is required to visit; see tinyurl.com/aravaipa for details.