Today’s post is some pictures I took on a hidden Salt River trail. It runs between the Granite Reef and Phon D Sutton Recreation areas. I personally like to park a little past the Granite Reef area where there’s a horse gate to the trail. A word of caution this isn’t the greatest place for a casual hike or fishing. Make sure to get a Tonto Pass before heading out. Some are sold at kiosks in recreation areas and at the Saguaro Lake Marina.
One of the first things I noticed from last summer is the dead burnt trees and brush being cleared and piled up. This looks like excellent habitat for snakes and other animals. The trail has a silty sand base with areas of dry river beds and an iron metal fence to keep the wild horses from the area between the Salt River and the Bush Highway. (It’s actually to keep people from driving right up to the river’s edge.)
The hidden trail is lined with Arrowweed, sage, and native grasses. Along the way there was a very active beehive, so bee careful! Also, there seems to be an extraordinary amount of horse apples.
Here is a peculiar plant the Tobacco Tree. It has some pretty long yellow flowers perfect for feeding humming birds. There are a few at the beginning of the trail to check out.
As I walked along Zebra Tailed Lizards will run out into the path stopping to try and blend in with their environment.
Birds
There are plenty of birds that might stop by to see what you’re up to. The area has many different species and can be a bit camera shy.
A female Phainopeplas was responding to my whistle. She followed me from a high perch in the tree line to a closer view. Where we played a game of whistling. It was fun to whistle and watch her jump from a perch with a beautiful flutter landing on another branch.
Infestation
There’s some kind of infestation happening leaving clumps of silky white debris. It looks like it is killing Mesquite trees starting at the branch and working it’s way around.
I found some insects that were crawling away from the ends of one branch. Below is a couple pictures of the largest one. I didn’t see any other kind of creepy critter culprits.
Wild Horses on the Salt River
People come from all over to see the wild horses. After walking over many piles of horse dung I knew at some point it was possible to find a group.
I was grateful to have a 300mm for shots of them hanging out across the river. One of the challenges I faced was the setting sun and the hordes of insects.
