Within the Lens: Tortilla Flat/Canyon Lake, AZ

Imagine for a moment the vibrant rusty hues of the renowned red rock of Sedona, grasping toward unblemished blue skies. Now picture this: no tourists.

Welcome to Tortilla Flat, Arizona. Population: 6.

Follow US-60 or Loop 202 due east to connect with AZ-88, approximately an hour out of Phoenix, to arrive at this desert oasis cradled in the stunning Superstition Mountains. The area boasts Canyon Lake, a water playground maintained as part of Tonto National Forest, surrounded by spectacular red and green rock rising on all sides. Keep your wits about you and be prepared for narrow mountain roads with frequent switchbacks. While not posted, you might consider turning off the AC to avoid stressing your vehicle's engine during peak summer temperatures.

Canyon Lake is nestled into the vibrant red and green tinted rock of the Superstition Mountains.

Canyon Lake is a man-made reservoir with available boat docking and ramp, as well as basic picnic spots, although a day permit is required for use of these areas. Just 3 miles down the road from the lake, you will arrive at the unassuming tourist trap that is the town of Tortilla Flat. The town boasts a snack shop (try the honey pops), gift shop, bar/restaurant, and miner mascot info kiosk which will tell you all of this and more for a modest $1.00 fee. The town, while quaint, is not the real draw. For the avid nature lover and photographer, the views are bar none.

Canyon Lake Vista is the first stop among many hosting stunning views of  the reservoir itself and surrounding desert range.

I drove out past the town area toward open desert, climbing ever higher, and found myself stopping frequently in admittedly sketchy turnoffs (some barely more than a scuff in the dirt right off the main road) to pull out the camera. Past mile marker 216 the canyons begin to plateau and open up to breathtaking panoramic scenery.

While the lake and town areas are fairly trafficked with people spending the day playing in the water, the areas further out were secluded, quiet and beautiful. I spent some time examining the local flora, and scarcely heard anything but the rumble of the wind, wailing of cicada and the crunch of gravel underfoot. The experience was invigorating.

Prickly pear cactus are abundant in the area around Canyon Lake, and most were laden with new fruit.

Unfortunately, as is often the case in beautiful places, not everyone is mindful of keeping it that way. I was dismayed to find the occasional litter left by those before me, particularly after passing a sign just down the road asking visitors to adhere to the "pack it in/pack it out" rule. While I strongly encourage safe visitation and exploration of this spectacular location, I also ask my fellow trekkers to do your part to keep it just as spectacular for those who will come after you.

Please help keep these natural areas beautiful: if you pack it in, pack it out.

My last stop was to grab a shot of an elusive lone mesa that I had failed to capture on the way in, just outside the small town of Goldfield. The quiet majesty of these monoliths is a vision not to be missed, and a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the central Valley's development.

While admittedly a last-minute decision, I was (and still am) thrilled by the outcome of this day trip to the Tortilla Flat/Tonto National Forest area. I'm looking forward to another outing to this locale, perhaps in the spring in time to catch the prickly pear cactus in full bloom and sunrise/sunset over the Superstition Mountains. If you decide to take a drive to this area, bring plenty of water, sunblock (my tan lines had tan lines) and don't forget your camera. Whether you're a veteran landscape photographer or an enthusiast looking to experiment with this genre as I was, you won't be disappointed. Get out there and happy shooting!