Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4.
Needle Vista
Continuing on Rte. 88, drive north to Needle Vista, where, far off to the south, you can
catch a glimpse of Weavers Needle, an imposing lava plug. The soaring spire has long
served as a landmark for gold diggers in search of the Lost Dutchman's mine.
5.
Canyon Lake
Rambling through steep, rocky hills, the trail passes varied vegetation that ranges from
desert scrub to mountain chaparral. At Canyon Lake Vista Point, visitors look out on the
azure waters of Canyon Lake, guarded by tall reddish cliffs. The 950-acre lake is one of
four reservoirs that nourish nearby Phoenix and the Salt River valley. In addition to fishing
and water sports, the lake offers cruises on a double-deck sternwheeler.
6.
Tortilla Flat
AnotherviewofCanyonLakecanbeglimpsedfromasmallvistapointthatalsooverlooks
the town of Tortilla Flat, a mile and a half away. Once a stagecoach stop, this resurrected
ghost town has a café, country store, and a permanent population of six. But its weekend
visitors lured by souvenir shops, prickly-pear ice cream, and the cool waters of Tortilla
Creek—are far greater in number.
7.
Fish Creek Hill
Soon after leaving Tortilla Flat, the pavement gives way to a dirt road, making for a rather
dustydriveoverthenext22miles.Thescenery,however,morethanmakesupfortherough
road conditions. The route—dotted with willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores—passes
countless craggy peaks before arriving at one of the trail's most photographed sites, Ger-
onimo Head Cliff. The adjoining wilderness teems with wildlife, including deer, bobcats,
coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
At Fish Creek Hill the drive reaches its most thrilling—and treacherous—course. The
one-laneroad(withnumerouspulloutsforpassing)twistsandturnsasitplungesadizzying
1,000 feet in just a mile and a half. In late afternoon, the setting sun adds a golden glow
to the Wall of Bronze, multihued rocks near the canyon floor. A short trail at the edge of
Fish Creek Hill leads north to Fish Creek Vista, where buff-colored cliffs skirt the canyon
below.
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