Apache Trail

A month ago we went for the steamboat ride at Canyon Lake. As we were traveling up there, we noticed the road was interesting with many sites to see. So, we picked up a pamphlet on Apache Trail and on May 26 we went exploring.

Superstition Mountain:


Where the lost Dutchman goldmine is. Some Native American Indians thought this was a sacred place. Looks neat.







Where do you want to go today?







We saw, we came, we conquered!!!






And did cliff diving??? Into what?













Devon pretending to be a cactus, and Michaela gets confused.











Tortilla Flat

Founded: Sometime between 1880 and 1904
Population: 6
Notable fact: smallest community with own zip code.

When building Roosevelt Dam, many foreign workers came and tipped in foreign currency. Because they couldn't spend it the workers name would be put on the currency as a status of shame. Instead it became popular, and over the years the wall has been lined with the donors national currency and name.

Roosevelt Dam


Originally built in 1907-1911 this bridge was to tame the Salt River and give water to Phoenix. The original dam stood until 1997 when it was decided to increase the reservoir and was remodeled. Before remodeling, Roosevelt Dam was the largest masonry dam in the world. Workers would cut stones from around the area to build the dam. You may notice the red rock buildings which were built the same time out of the same rock. After the reconstruction, cement was used, and not much is left to remember the old dam.

While the dam was being remodeled, they built a bridge to divert traffic. The sign claims the bridge is one of the most impressive bridges in the US. It is impressive, but most....





Tonto National Monument
Cliff Dwellers
These native Americas called the Salo Indians lived along the Salt River during the 13 and 14th Century. Why the left nobody knows but speculation is Apache drove them out, the land became unusable because of high salt content, or because of drought which happened/happens frequently. Salo is translated to Salt (Sal) Indians because they lived next to the Salt River (Rio Salo??).

These cliff dwellings are high above he valley floor below. These people probably used them for shelter and a refuge from warring tribe. They spread them throughout the mountains round about.








Along with irrigation, Salo Indians were known from pottery. Archaeologists have found pottery made by these Indians throughout western United States and though Mexico. They also found shells from California, and Pueblo Indian goods in these caves.