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In 2008, the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) partnered with the City of Apache Junction to take on a challenge visible to anyone driving along US 60—a scar that marred the face of Silly Mountain.
This scar was no small blemish. It was a 20-foot-wide swath of bare dirt and scree, running from the base to the summit, stark against the desert landscape. Left behind by years of off-road vehicle use, it was a painful reminder of the lasting damage human activity can inflict on fragile desert ecosystems.
Rather than let Silly Mountain remain disfigured, SALT rallied businesses, community organizations, and volunteers to heal the land. In just six weeks, the scar—and other eroded, unsafe trails—were closed off. In their place, nine beautiful new trails were carefully designed and built to provide safe, sustainable access for hikers.
Volunteers and community members planted native grasses and desert plants to restore the damaged areas. Over time, these plantings began to take root, and with every season, Silly Mountain’s natural beauty continues to return.
This project was made possible by the generosity of local corporations, bequests, and individual donors who believed in protecting Silly Mountain for future generations. Their support, combined with the dedication of countless volunteers, transformed an eyesore into a thriving outdoor destination.
Today, Silly Mountain is more than just a hiking area—it is a living testament to what community stewardship can accomplish. The once-barren scar is healing, hikers enjoy nine well-maintained trails, and the mountain remains a gem of the Sonoran Desert.
This restoration project reflects SALT’s ongoing mission: to protect and preserve the natural wonders of the Superstition Foothills while creating spaces where people can connect with the desert and understand the importance of conservation.
🌱 Silly Mountain stands tall again—not just as a mountain, but as a story of resilience, renewal, and community spirit.
The Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) works with public agencies to protect vulnerable Sonoran Desert foothills—part of Arizona’s 9 million acres of state trust land—threatened by urban sprawl and managed primarily for revenue.
Donating to the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) helps preserve the Sonoran Desert’s fragile foothills, wildlife, and open spaces for future generations.