Landmarks
Photo by Arlon J Sieve, Fountain Hills Artists Gallery
Mount McDowell - Rugged Red Rock
a.k.a. Red Mountain, a.k.a. FireRock
One of the most prominent landmarks near Fountain Hills and Fort
McDowell is the jagged outline of Red Mountain, at 2,830 feet high.
Some people see a bearded face in the tallest knob. The deep cleft
on its western flank is known as “Gunsight” because of its resemblance
to the narrow slot in a fort used for firing at attackers. The mountain
is composed of sandstone conglomerate, which gives it a distinctive
red color that glows dramatically in the last rays of day. Some call it
FireRock. The mountain was officially named Mount McDowell after
General Irvin McDowell, who was responsible for the creation of a
nearby military post in 1865. It, too, bore his name as Camp McDowell
and later Fort McDowell. The mountain is sacred to Indian tribes,
including the local Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
Four Peaks - Purple Mountain Majesty
The lyrics “purple mountains’ majesty” could have been written for
these peaks. They change with the light from lavender to violet to
deep purple. Fittingly, the world’s finest amethyst is found high on its
slopes. The wilderness area surrounding the peaks is prime habitat for
black bear and various wildlife.
Visible from much of the Phoenix Metro area,
this mountain is one of the area’s highest points at
7,657 feet. Visitors and residents of Fountain Hills
and Fort McDowell have grandstand seats for
the daily spectacle of the sun rising dramatically
behind Four Peaks. And when lightning plays
about the peaks, it is not hard to imagine the mountain spirits of
Yavapai lore.
McDowell Mountains - Ancient Roots
Some of the oldest rock in Arizona makes up the McDowell
Mountain Range to the west of Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell. The
range’s highest is McDowell Peak, at 4,034 feet. The rounded mountain
to the south is Fire Necklace Mountain, named when a fire burned
down its slopes, encircling it. Indians found shelter here, as evidenced
by petroglyphs and artifacts. Prospectors sought mineral wealth but
discovered only limited amounts of gold, silver and copper. The real
wealth of these mountains is their beauty and wildlife.
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Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell Official Visitors Guide
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