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Red Mountain (Mount McDowell) One of the most recognizable land formations in the area is Red Mountain. The mountain stands high above the desert floor at the confluence of the Salt and Verde Rivers on the Fort McDowell Reservation. The signature Arizona sunsets transform the mountain's red sand stone into a fiery orange and rust color that can be seen from miles away. Red Mountain, or as it is formally named, Mount McDowell, sits on private lands owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The mountain is protected and off-limits to climbers and hikers. Though hiking the mountain would be a real pleasure, just viewing the mountain at sunset from Fountain Hills is a treat in itself. There are two very distinct natural features that are visible from Fountain Hills. The first, a formation called the "Gunsite." This is a wide slit in the red rock located at the southwestern end of the mountain. The rock slopes downward toward the desert floor along a distinct, narrow ridgeline. The deep cut in the rock interrupts this descent allowing the background sky to show through. The second is only visible in the afternoon. When the sun passes high noon, shadows on the mountain begin to create the shape of a human face. By late afternoon the image is well defined. The magic can be seen by looking at the highest point rock feature. Some say it resembles that of an Indian maiden with long flowing hair. One depiction of the mountain published in the local newspaper showed the face resembling that of Officer Robert K. Martin, a state patrol officer who was killed in the line of duty while on a routine traffic stop along the Beeline Highway in 1995. Others believe the face is that of Jesus. Red Mountain is a beautiful treasure to the area. Just as the community fountain is Fountain Hills most recognizable man-made landmark, Red Mountain is the area's most recognizable natural landmark.
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