DRIVING TOUR to PAINTED ROCK
This prehistoric site is at a gooseneck in the Gila River north of Gila Bend.
This location was the crossroads of generations that sought water after crossing
the open desert. The south bend in the Gila provided significant farm land. During
the California gold rush (1842) travelers longest dry segment was between the well
at Maricopa and the south bend of the Gila River. Near Painted Rock grass meadows
lined with cottonwoods and willows provided respite for man and animals.
Get a
road atlas and start planning a fun day trip
as outlined here: Painted Rock Day Drive,
starting
in Tonopah.
WOOLSEY PEAK is a distinctive mountain along the Gila River and one that can be seen for 50 miles in all directions.
The flat top mountain is the result of volcanic activity that left washer-
In a driving tour to Painted Rock you’ll
see Woolsey Peak from many angles.
Recently as 1949, it was tagged Gila Peak before being renamed for the Arizona Pioneer
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Read a little bit more about Pioneer King S. Woolsey.
We support the Sonoran Desert
Heritage proposal for three reasons.
1.) The vast majority of back roads & ohv routes currently used will remain open.
2.) Members of many groups including the Tonopah Area Coalition and Friends of Saddle Mountain have been involved with refinements.
3.) A higher level of protection is needed for these beautiful areas. The SDH proposal
connects key areas and balances varied recreation with key wildlife linkages.
We
want the next generation to be able to enjoy these beautiful areas like we do today
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Or a hikers account of the rugged Woolsey Peak.
| Homesteads |
| Mines |
| Trails |
| Courthouse Rock |
| Sunshine Sky |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep |
| Field Notes |
| Reptiles |
| Desert Life |