Friday, May 13, 2016

Apache Trail

Area 3-Apache Trail

The beautiful and rugged Apache Trail is rated as one of America's top scenic drives.  This forty-five mile route passes through canyons and cliffs with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.  These mountains tower over the Salt River and two desert reservoirs that are created by the river.  Lower Sonoran Desert hills fill the majority of the overall habitat of the Apache Trail drive.  Riparian habitat is met after driving down the tall mountains to the shady canyons of Fish Creek.  Sycamores and cottonwoods line the creek, and the beauty of this area is worth the drive alone.  Other than the Apache Trail's breathtaking views, the birding also adds significantly to the enjoyment.  Expect a variety of species on this route:  wintering waterbirds, Lower Sonoran Desert species, as well as riparian species in the limits of Fish Creek.  If you want birding combined with an extreme high of adventure, then the Apache Trail is calling your name...
Birding Locations:
Canyon Lake (eBird)
Apache Lake (eBird)

Apache Trail Location Map and eBird Data:


Apache Trail Locations Map

*All maps owned by Google.

The map below shows the birding locations on the Apache Trail and their mile markers.
1. Canyon Lake (Mile Marker 209-212)
2. Tortilla Flat (Mile Marker 214-215)
3. Fish Creek (Mile Marker 224-227)
4. Apache Lake (Mile Marker 229-234)
5. Salt River between Apache Lake and Roosevelt Dam (Mile Marker 236-242)

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