Bellemont, Wing Mountain Area: FR 518, 222A

 Bellemont, Wing Mountain Area: FR 518, 222A

I had the opportunity to explore the area near Wing Mountain, near Bellemont, Arizona. According to historical records, the Saginaw focused on logging out this area just prior to shutting down the Bellemont Line, circa 1929. This would mean that any remnants of their activity are nearing the century mark. Despite the age, I would expect that there would still be some evidence of their presence, and I was not disappointed. 

As far as artifacts and such, they are protected by law and must remain in place. This location is near Flagstaff and Bellemont, so any such items have long disappeared. Again, leave things where you find them. 

Wing Mountain Area is located to the northeast of Bellemont. This area is bordered by Fort Valley on the east. There are a number of forest roads that access this area; our focus is FR518 and 222A.

Forest Road 518 is the main road that I use to access the area. From early maps, and the evidence that still exists, this road is on or near one of the lines of the Saginaw. I decided to explore FR222A, which proceeds down Volunteer Wash, passing Johnson Tank. 

From Johnson Tank south, I found clear evidence of the grade, as can be seen in the images. 

The grade located between the tank and the road.

very clear grade in a cut, near the tank

Looking up the creek bed towards the tank

Ties are embedded in the original grade.

The grade continues through the cut down the creek bed.

I will revisit the area, this time with my maps, and will follow the grade further along the road. It is possible that it parts from the road and continues down the wash. 

Further investigation will reveal the truth. 

Given all of the evidence that I have gathered, I have marked where I believe where the grade ran. This is by no means comprehensive, as there a number of side roads that indicate spurs ran off the main to reach distant timber stands. I also theorize that the grade circled back to the Bellemont area, where the railhead with the Santa Fe was established. There are also grades running through Fort Valley, which are now covered by new homes. 

There are indicators, such as a lost section of roadbed that I will soon rediscover, that the line once extended to A-1 Mountain area. However, this can be confused with the lines out of Flagstaff that had extensive operations that overlapped this location.