Phillips Junction, one of four strategically positioned mountain
commissaries, is crucial to many itineraries. You will be issued food
from the mountain commissary here, designed to hold several weeks
supply of trail fook. Years ago, a pack train originating out of
Beaubien carried supplies to the staffed camps in the primative
backcountry near here. The rubble strewn field hehind this structure
was once a wildflower laden park. As you can see, new growth is
beginning to take hold. Time heals all wounds.
Please use the Apache Creek trail en route to Beaubien. Drivers of
vehicles coming around blind corners on this narrow mountain road may
not see you soon enough and besides, the trail is quicker and more
interesting anyway. A vast array of flora and fauna may be observed in
the canyon. Campers are often bewildered in attempting to distinguish
fir trees from spruce, especially white fir and blue spruce. Just
remember Fir needles are Flat Flabby and Flexible, while Spruce
needles are Sharp, Stiff and Spiral.
Beaubien doesn't seem to be 9350 feet in elevation, but a few
swings with an ax will soon convince you that it is. Excellent
campsites abound here. Beaubien is that heart of the South with
artirial trails flowing in all directions.
