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...
