It took a while but we both got over our Covid infection and were ready to live life fully once again. Instead of going out to crowded areas we eased our way back into society by going on short hikes and doing a little birding.
The Granite Reef Recreation Area is considered the best birding places on the Salt River and one of the best in Maricopa County Arizona. Fortunately for us it is located about 10 miles northeast of our RV park so in 15 minutes we are able to leave the desert and be parked alongside the Salt River.
A Tonto National Forest daily pass is required to access Granite Reef and other sites along the Salt River. Our America the Beautiful Pass is accepted as well.
This riparian habitat is excellent for resident, migrant, and wintering birds alike. At this time of year there are tons of waterfowl resulting in lots of raptors. It’s a little early for the songbirds but they will be arriving in this area soon. Our binoculars and cameras are used a lot every time we visit.
Another popular activity on the Salt River is kayaking as this is a great location for some exercise and quality sightseeing. Visitors are only allowed to launch non-motorized boats or fish along the shoreline at Granite Reef.
There is always something to see as the salt river is also well know for it’s wild horses and we were fortunate one day to see a couple of River Otters swimming in the stiff current of the river.
The scenery beckons visitors to relax and watch the river with the panoramic views of the Four Peaks mountain range and Red Mountain in the backdrop.There are also some short trails to hike.The Salt River Trail is a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail and this time of year there are lots of wildflowers beginning to bloom.
Driving along the river there are lots of other longer trails some of which we have done in the past. These other trails are the Bulldog Canyon Trail, Butcher Jones Trail or Phon D Sutton Trail. Now that the weather has settled into very pleasant temperatures we will surely return to enjoy the outdoors!
Certainly another great place to hike and catch what nature has to offer. We drove past the area on a Cactus League trip while staying at the Usery Campground, but did not stop. Saw horses ;)
ReplyDeleteIs that Jupiter and Venus dancing with the moon? Nice foto.
Jupiter and Venus dancing with the moon... yes it is!
DeleteHappy to hear that you're both out and about again!
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteLove the first pic with mountain in the background
ReplyDeleteThose are the Superstition Mts which have had snow on them several times this winter.
DeleteLooks wonderful and I'm glad you are well. Post will come in handy as we might head out west to the same areas during next winter's moves. Researching a path now but might consider I-10 to Arizona 95 or US95 up to needles and then I-40 back eastward.
ReplyDeleteWe have booked again here next winter just to hold a spot.
DeleteNot Florida?
Delete