You Would Never Guess What’s Hiding In These Arizona Mountains
By Monica Spencer|Published April 20, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Arizona is hiding some pretty cool little destinations in her beautiful landscape. From canyons sitting just beyond view to parks you’ve probably passed dozens of times before, there’s always something new to see around the state. One place we’re going to check out today is hidden well beyond the highway and a tiny town, tucked away in rugged desert mountains.
The Cerbat Mountains, a range that stretches from Kingman north towards Dolan Springs, is home to some pretty cool little places including the little town of Chloride. This town is a unique spot that's worth a visit but we're going to check out a spot just outside town.
The Roy Purcell murals sit in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains and date to 1966 when he briefly relocated to the tiny mining town. Then an art student at Utah State University, Purcell was able to gain the support of locals to create an expansive mural that not only enticed visitors to stop in town for several decades but also helped launch Purcell's art career.
Titled "The Journey," the mural was quite an endeavor! It stretches around boulders to cover 2000 square feet with vivid colors that have managed to survive decades of the harsh Arizona sun.
The mural depicts Purcell's search for self with images that are earthy and mystical. Since much of Purcell's later artwork focuses on landscape and history, these early murals clearly had an impact on his style.
The murals were repainted a few years ago to revive faded areas and allowed Purcell to add extra panels to depict the completion of his journey at 70.
This video from Youtuber Mark Allen gives a great perspective of the drive to the murals. Check it out!
The Roy Purcell murals are located about one mile east of Chloride in the Cerbat Mountains. You can find directions to the murals on this map. Please note that a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to reach the destination.
