About 40 miles (65 km.) west of Phoenix to the south of Interstate 10 at Tonopah are a pair of volcanic mountains linked by a saddle of lower hills. The more dramatic western peak is Saddle Mountain. It is composed of lighter-colored lava, tuff and rhyolite. The eastern peaks are nearly black basaltic lava of Quaternary Age. The Bureau of Land Management controls the major portions but there are a number of private holdings surrounding the mountains and there are quite a few mining claims (none of which appear to be active). There are nonetheless many entryways and easy hiking. As the Tonopah area grows this will be an important asset for recreation. 4X5 transparency.
4X5 Wista field camera, Shnider 65mm lens, Fuji Velvia 100, F 32 @ 1 sec. Lee #2 S.N.D. Paul Gill