Scorpion Gulch Castle

Phoenix, Arizona

Every time I drive into the main entrance of Phoenix's South Mountain Park, I wonder about this cluster of stone ruins beside the road. One building boldly proclaims "THIS IS SCORPION GULCH", but other than that name, these empty building are a mystery to me. Perhaps they date from the 1930's, when the Civilian Conservation Corps built many similar stone structures within the park. The particular building shown above, which I call "the castle," always catches my eye; one corner has been fashioned into a "tower" lined with a double row of parapets. Below is a photo of the other building that displays the name of this miniature "ghost town."

Directions: From Baseline Road, take Central Avenue south. Just before the entrance kiosk to South Mountain Park, the Scorpion Gulch ruins will be on the left side of the road. The ruins may be the property of the adjacent riding stables, but are not posted against trespassing.

Last visited: March 2009.

Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.