the Gila Valley lookout

July the 3rd, 2026. For those in the workforce, many had this day off to celebrate the long 4th of July Holiday here in the USA. For me, this day was a perfect time to head back out to South Mountain to explore another one of the lookouts. With high clouds all over the Phoenix area, I head back up to see the views from the Gila Valley Lookout.

Another 108 degree day outside, but with low to no humidity, one can bear the sunshine for about 10 minutes before needing shade. I look and listen for rattlesnakes, but the mountain top is quiet. All manner of creatures seem to be taking it easy, whether it be man or beast. I see the valley extend far out across Gila county and it’s farmlands dotted in between the Sonoran Desert.

I set up my timelapse as a car pulls up and parks. The reefer is strong with this one. I smile to myself as the gent gets out slowly and takes in the views. I sit in the shade and watch both my camera for signs of overheating as well as the gent going back and forth along the railing. Eventually a woman emerges from the same car and the hold each other in an embrace for a few seconds before the heat forces both of them back into their car. The smell of ganga leaves the area as the car drives away.

I get the timelapse I want before the camera dies of heat exhaustion, then head back down the mountain. There are remains of a small outpost here that I want to check out quickly. It’s too hot to read the signs to find out what Scorpion Gulch was originally, but it feels like a ghost town. Part of the old Wild West.