Archive for the ‘Arizona Stuff’ Category
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
 Superstition Mountains One of the most interesting tales that circulates through Arizona history is the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. This mythical mine has been the object of many searches over the pas two centuries, however it has yet to be located in the modern era.
The story of the Lost Dutchman is set in the Superstition Mountains. Just to the east of the metro-Phoenix area, the Superstitions remain a designated wilderness today, preserving them in an undeveloped states. Through many versions of the tale circulate, there are several basic components that seem to be prevalent themes.
Spanish Gold
The inception of the Lost Dutchman tale begins with the Peralta family. It is said that the head of this Spanish family discovered a vein of gold while searching in the mountains for treasure. After making his discovery, Peralta returned to civilization to gather supplies and help to mine the gold. Weaver’s Needle served as one of the landmarks to guide Peralta back to the mine when he returned.
Though he returned with men and provisions, the story goes that the area natives did not appreciate the intrusion. Through Peralta was able to send back some gold to Mexico, the growing animosity forced him to prepare to leave the area. As a precaution, Peralta disguised the entrance to the mine, hoping to return in the future and reclaim his find. Unfortunately, Peralta and his companions never emerged from the desert, and remain lost in the Superstitions to this day.
The Good Doctor
The next chapter of the Dutchman saga involves a Dr. Abraham Thorne. An army doctor, Thorne was assigned to the area around Fort McDowell. During his tenure there, Thorne also made caring for the natives a part of his practice. As a reward for his compassionate care, the tribe decided to lead the doctor to the fabled gold.
After being blindfolded, Thorne was led into the mountains by native guides. At the mine, Thorne was allowed to take as much gold as he could carry, but warned that he must never return. Thorne later described the location of the mine, recalling a strange canyon and again referencing Weaver’s Needle.
Dutchman or “Deutsch” Man
The final link in the legend is Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant who became colloquially known as the “Dutchman.” A longtime prospector, Waltz made his home in Arizona in the 1860s. In the most popular version of the story, Waltz encounters and saves the life of a Mexican man, with the last name of Peralta. A descendant of the mine’s original discoverer, Peralta rewarded the miner for his aid with a map to the lost mine.
Over the years, Waltz would turn up in the Phoenix area with raw gold for purchase, then disappear into the Superstitions again for prolonged periods. The quality of Waltz’s ore was said to be some of the purest ever encountered. Eventually, Waltz passed away, taking the secret location of the mine to his grave.
Modern Myth
To this day, Arizonans and intrepid explorers still search for the Dutchman’s lost gold. Over the past century, stories, maps, and clues have circulated regarding the location of the mine, but no one has been able to locate it. Some believe the mine is purely fiction, pointing to the discrepancies among the various accounts as proof that the Lost Dutchman is an old wives’ tale. Others look to the historical record, which confirms that Jacob Waltz indeed lived in the area at the time as an indication that there must be some truth to the tale.
Whichever perspective you take, the fact remains that the history of the Lost Dutchman is certainly a colorful piece of Arizona folklore.
Take a Hiking Trip in Arizona
Just Roughin’ It may not be able to help you find a gold mine, but during our Arizona hiking trips in the mountains surrounding Phoenix and Tucson you will discover beautiful scenic views, wildlife, and Native American petroglyphs.
Tags: Arizona Hiking, hiking superstition mountains, Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, Superstition Mountains
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Friday, July 30th, 2010
 Normally, you probably don’t associate lush turquoise waterfalls surrounded by local vegetation with the Arizona desert.
This is precisely what make Havasu Falls at the Grand Canyon unique. Located to the west of Grand Canyon Village, Havasu Falls is an attractive alternative to those who want something beyond the typical Grand Canyon tourist experience.
The hike to Havasu Falls is about ten miles in total. Beginning at Hualapai Hilltop, the trail to the falls descends into the canyon bottom below. Though the first part of the hike drops steeply, it is manageable and becomes less intense after the initial mile and a half or so, suitable for the moderately experienced hiker. Depending on when you make the hike, the Arizona heat can be sweltering, so be sure to bring plenty of water for your trip.
Hikers visiting the falls will make their way to the village of Supai. The falls, also known as Havasu Falls, are home to the native people of the same name. Havasupai means people of the blue green waters. Supai is one of the most remote communities in the United States. In fact, Supai has the distinction of being one of only two locations in the country which still receives its mail via mule train!
A visit to Supai provides you with the unique opportunity to see one of the indigenous peoples of the Southwest who still make their home in their native homeland. For those wishing to stay overnight, the tribe offers accommodations in a lodge and also hosts a café, where visitors can purchase meals. There are also camping facilities if you prefer a more rugged experience.
Approximately two miles outside of Supai, you will be greeted by the five falls that comprise your destination: Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls (rising higher than the famed Niagra Falls), Beaver Falls, “Rock Falls,” and “New Navajo Falls.” The last two falls are known unofficially by these names, pending an official designation by the Havasupai Tribe. The falls were created after the flood of 2008, which brought major changes to the falls and the bed of Havasu Creek. (See Havasu Falls Renovation Courtesy of Mother Nature.) In addition to fashioning these two new falls, the flood also caused the extinction of Navajo Falls.
After the flooding, the falls were closed for approximately ten months while the Havasupai rehabilitated the area. Though the changes wrought by the flood were manifold, the tribe has embraced them as part of the canyon’s natural lifecycle. Thus, despite its metamorphosis, the falls’ natural beauty remains. The falls provide a welcome relief for weary hikers, the cool water filling the pools surrounding the falls is perfect for a refreshing dip.
All these elements combine to make Havasu Falls the perfect destination if you are looking for a memorable trip, slightly off the beaten path. This desert hike which culminates in such a lush oasis is a once in a life time experience. A trip to Havasu Falls is a great option for your next vacation.
Tags: backpacking havasu falls, backpacking trips, Havasu Falls, havasupai falls
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Friday, July 23rd, 2010
 Havasu Falls has undergone a “renovation,” so to speak, in the past couple of years.
In 2008, the falls were swept by a flash flood which culminated in multiple changes at the once familiar site. The flood was devastating in its effects, although luckily no serious injuries or casualties resulted.
Surprise! Two New Falls
After a ten month closing to deal with flood‘s aftereffects, the falls reopened last year, surprising visitors who were previously familiar with the area. Retaining their famous turquoise colors, there are now five falls in total at Havasu Falls, the first two of which are new, created by the flood. For the present, the falls are being referred to variously as New Navajo Falls and Rock Falls, Unnamed Falls or Emerald Falls. The Havasupai tribe will be responsible for naming the new falls permanently.
Fifty Foot Falls now rises to an impressive seventy-five feet, belying its prior moniker. Havasu Falls has remained, though its flow has been slightly altered. Havasu now tumbles from the right, just below its previous apex. Further down, Mooney Falls remains most similar to its pre-2008 appearance, though the pool below required some reconstruction. The biggest and most obvious change in the area is the extinction of Navajo Falls, a detour in water flow dried the falls, displacing the familiar landmark.
Floods – Part of the Canyon’s History
Floods have always been a part of the of the canyon’s history; a 1996 geological survey determined that at least fourteen floods have coursed through Havasupai in the past one hundred years, as well as noting evidence of flooding going back for centuries. Over time, the creek has shifted and changed its course, responding to natural upheavals.
Visitors can observe signs of the phenomena first hand - dry stream beds and mineral formation created by the waters abound, testifying to evolving nature and history of Havasu Falls.
Much of the income of the Havasupai Tribe is derived from tourism at the falls. After the flood, tribal members worked to restore the falls to their previous beauty and take protective measures, installing an early warning system for floods and reinforcing stream banks where necessary.
Rebirth of Havasu Falls
However, rather than trying to recreate what was, the people of Havasupai have accepted the changes at the falls, accepting that nature changes and recreates, evolving over time. From the tribal perspective, the falls have undergone a sort of cleansing and a rebirth. The dynamic impact of nature is to be embraced, part of our cycle.
Tags: grand canyon backpacking trips, Havasu Falls, havasupai falls
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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Though the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of the Grand Canyon is likely the immense, spectacular natural beauty, the canyon is also home to some of the premier architecture of the southwest.
The majority of the structures at the canyon were designed and construction was supervised by architect Mary Colter. As a woman, Colter was a pioneer in her industry simply by virtue of her sex. However, she was also an innovator in other respects. As a student of the arts and crafts movement, Colter’s designs focused on achieving a harmonious blend between nature and the structures she was erecting.
The Grand Canyon is home to the majority of her work, five of its buildings bear her mark. The el Tovar Hotel was not built by Colter, however the Fred Harvey Company hired her to decorate the interior. Though the building has been renovated many times over since she worked on the project at the beginning of the last century, it still bears the hallmarks of her style.
Hopi House was erected next, designed in its entirety by Colter, who consulted with the native people in planning the facility, wanting to give it the feel of a Hopi lodge. By consulting with the indigenous people, she hoped to introduce visitors to the canyon to native culture.
Colter’s next project was Lookout Studio. To this day, canyon goers still use the telescopes to enjoy the canyon’s impressive views. The studio was intended to echo the natural rock formations present in the canyon, serving Colter’s overall design principle, integrating the manmade with the natural.
Hermit’s Rest was built the same year as Lookout Studio. Colter intended the building to appear as if it were a hermit’s dwelling. The exterior melds into the landscape, the interior is furnished in a rustic fashion. For a period Hermit’s Rest was inaccessible, however recent renovations to the road means that private vehicles can now travel to the historic rest stop. With its floor to ceiling windows, Hermit’s Rest features some of the most incredible indoor views of the canyon.
Colter’s final contribution to the canyon is Desert View Watchtower. Based on Anasazi structures, the seventy foot tower provides those willing to make the climb with 360 degree views of the canyon. Again, she incorporated native culture; the tower features a mural by a local Hopi artist.
This woman’s contributions to southwestern architecture are unmistakable. Placing priority on the use of local materials, respecting native culture, and integrating the natural surroundings into her designs made Colter a unique architect, well ahead of her time. Though the natural grandeur is surely the focus at the canyon, her architecture lends a further level of interest to the site.
Tags: desert view watchtower, el tovar hotel, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Backpacking, hermits rest, hopi house, lookout studio, mary colter, southwestern architecture
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