Southeast Arizona Arch Rally (Feb. 2024)

Butcher Jones Trail
A delightful trail along Saguaro Lake, a flowage of the Salt River, in the Tonto National Forest
Pied Billed Grebe
Water fowl enjoy the lake.
Western Grebe
Cholla sparkle in front of saguaros
Northern Shoveler
Superstition Mountains
Day two brought us to the Superstition Mountains.
Named by the Pimas Indians, who believed the rugged terrain brought bad luck, disappearances, and mysterious death.

First glimpse of Super Arches
Which is actually a double arch
The next day brought us to the aptly named Sawtooth Mountains.
The most impressive of the arches was Crocodile Eye Arch.
Didn’t hike to this one, but it looks very sad.
Sparkling chollas are always fun to see.
As are the unusual arms of the saguaro.
And beautiful cloud formations.
Dot Com Arch was a beautiful formation of rocks.
Next were the Black Hills and their interesting pinnacles.
Black Hills Arch was the main destination.
Last day brought us to Hewitt Canyon.
There is a road that runs through the bottom of the canyon, but do not attempt it unless you have an off-road vehicle. The arch is camouflaged into the rocks here.
Hiking the slope brings it into view.
Hewitt Canyon Arch or Elephant Arch?