Gaan Canyon
Devil's Canyon (Gaan Canyon), May 2009
Trip supported by Maricopa Audubon Society to inventory birds and plants of the area. Trip report available here.
Vegetation and Wildlife Survey of Devil’s Canyon, Tonto National Forest (July 2007)
Devil’s Canyon is located in Pinal County Arizona a few miles east of Superior in the Globe Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest. The area is extremely rugged with deep canyons, rocky ridges, and uplands dominated by large boulders and towering spires. Pyroclastic welded tuft is the most common substrate throughout the area and creates beautiful cliffs, arches, and towers.
Vegetation and Wildlife Survey of Devil’s Canyon (Gaan Canyon), Tonto National Forest (May 2009)
Devil’s Canyon is located in Pinal County Arizona approximately 6 km east of the town of Superior in the Globe Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest. The area is generally rugged with deep canyons and is defined by its complex rock formations. Portions of Devil’s Canyon have stretches of large and dense riparian growth that support a high diversity of breeding birds and other wildlife.
Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus (Arizona Hedgehog)
This cactus has a very limited distribution and is an Endangered Species. It survives in a narrow elevational zone from the upper Sonoran Desert into the Chapparal (sometimes Madrean Evergreen Woodland) that occurs in its range. Its range covers areas east of Superior, AZ in Gila and Pinal counties.
Here is a selection of photos of individual Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus (Arizona Hedgehog) cactus, all taken in the wild.
Gaan Canyon (Devil's Canyon), Superior, AZ
This canyon and surrounding country are an incredible mix of chaparral, Sonoran Desert, and madrean influenced vegetation enhanced by stunning rock formations and rare perennial creeks.