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Show finds aspen and spruce; on the lower slopes are pifion and juniper. An outstanding feature of the area is Clear Creek Canyon. It varies in depth from 400 to 800 feet and in places is less wide than deep. It is practically invisible from any point more than a quarter mile from the rim. 12. Travertine Bridge is located in the central part of Arizona in the Tonto National Forest. The bridge is unique in being composed of travertine rather than sandstone from which most natural bridges are formed. The upper surface of the bridge is approximately 400 feet long and rises about 150 feet above the bottom of the canyon. How the bridge was formed is a matter of conjecture at this time. Not only is the bridge unique in respect to origin, but it is one of the most beautiful natural bridges in the United States. Wildlife is abundant and the area abounds in prehistoric pueblos, practically all unexcavated. The bridge is located in very rugged country, and roads through this section of Arizona are of a low standard. The elevation of the bridge in the bottom of Pine Canyon is 4,600 feet above sea level. 13. The Apache Trail- Superstition Mountains area in the Tonto National Forest approximately 40 miles east of Phoenix, Ariz., is of major importance to the people living in south central Arizona. It includes four reservoirs, a scenic highway, and an excellent and varied landscape of mountain peaks, mesas, canyons, cliffs, interesting vegetation, and considerable color. Boating and fishing are available on the reservoirs and accommodations for visitors are provided by private interests. The main road, known as the Apache Trail, from Roosevelt Lake down the Salt River, skirts the north boundary of the Superstition Wilderness Area. Several roads end within a half mile of the boundary of this wilderness area. Further access is gained by an incomplete system of trails. 14. Oak Creek Canyon is traversed by United States Highway 89. South of Flagstaff, Ariz., the highway drops from an elevation of 7,000 feet to 2,500 feet in lower Oak Creek Canyon. Lookout Point at the head of Oak Creek Canyon, 13 miles south of Flagstaff, is approximately 2,000 feet above the stream bed. The grandeur of the massive canyon walls is enhanced by the many colored ledges 818271° 50- 16 and buttes, while the canyon floor abounds in wild flowers. Oak Creek Canyon was formed by the faulting of Coconino sandstone. This fault, which is apparent- the wall on the right being higher than that on the left- extended for many miles and formed an opening for great volcanic activity. A cap of basalt is visible along both rims at the upper end of the canyon. Approximately 22 miles from Flagstaff, the color of the sandstone changes from white to red. Scrub oak and buckbrush replace mountain pines. A mile further, a panorama includes the trout stream, steep red cliffs, and the widening bottom lands to the south. With the construction of the highway have come lodges, tourist camps, swimming pools, and other signs of civilization, in an area that prior to 1930 had been a wilderness retreat. 15. The Kofa Mountains in southwestern Arizona are more scenic than most of the mountain ranges in that section of the State. The highest point, Signal Peak, rises to an elevation of 4,200 feet, some 2,600 feet above the plain. There are precipitous cliffs and gorge- like canyons in this range. A feature of special interest is the grove of native palms growing in a steep narrow ravine, near Signal Peak. ^ This part of the Kofa Mountains is seldom visited due largely to a lack of drinking water and the excessive heat during the summer months. In addition to the palms and other interesting forms of plant life, the presence of bighorn sheep add interest to the area. State Highway 95, a fairly good desert road, provides access to the region. 16. Southeastern Arizona Ranges. This portion of Arizona, more than any other, has been developed along recreational lines. The desert valleys between ranges have long been recognized as vacation centers for winter visitors and certain of the higher ranges which are well forested are being used for summer resorts. The Santa Catalinas are an example. Here, as elsewhere in the mountains, the chief difficulty is found in the rather limited space available for development. On the other hand, there is much opportunity for trail development and, to some extent, development of roads 211 |