Phon D Sutton Recreation Area
Mesa, AZ
A recreation area along the Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake Dam where the river flows through a cottonwood-lined channel. The area provides access to shallow river crossings popular with wild horses and wading birds. Desert cliffs and riparian cottonwood forest create a striking contrast at the desert's edge.
Photography Guide
- Best Time
- golden hour
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Shot Types
- wideportraitlandscapereflection
- Best Seasons
- springfallwinter
Gallery
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Mesa, AZ
Salt River Wild Horse Area
An area along the Lower Salt River near Bush Highway where herds of wild horses roam freely along the riverbanks. The Salt River wild horses are descendants of horses released or escaped over the past century and are protected by Arizona state law. The horses are frequently seen grazing, crossing the river, and interacting in family bands.
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Saguaro Lake
A reservoir on the Salt River formed by Stewart Mountain Dam, surrounded by towering red and orange canyon walls. The Butcher Jones Recreation Area provides beach access with saguaro-studded cliffs rising directly from the shoreline. Wild horses from the Salt River herd are frequently seen along the lake's shores and surrounding desert.
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Usery Mountain Regional Park
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