Saguaros, desert, mountains

Casa Grande gave us a good jumping off point to explore the greater Phoenix area.  The Apache Scenic Loop is a spectacular highway tour of the Superstition Mountains.  Starting in Apache Junction east of metro Phoenix the route took us past Tortilla Flat and 22 miles of dirt road along with 3 reservoirs.  After arriving back on pavement at Roosevelt Lake we were surprised to find Tonto National Monument, an Ancestral Puebloan monument in a beautiful setting. 

Apache Loop view

Apache Lake flowers

Roosevelt Dam

Roosevelt Bridge

Hedgehog cactus blooms

Tonto National Monument

Tonto Lake Roosevelt view

We are always on the lookout for kayaking opportunities so imagine our surprise at finding a kayakable lake on the Apache Scenic Loop highway in the Superstition Mountains.  Canyon Lake was created in 1925 when the Salt River was dammed.  It is one of 4 lakes in the area.  We had a great day paddling the lake and up little canyons where we literally had to back out.  Great day, perfect weather, no crowds during the week.  One of our favorite paddles of all time.

Canyon Lake

We love the Apache Loop area.  Great vistas, great flora.  In March we had great weather.