Scorpion Gulch: A Step Back in Time

Scorpion Gulch, located within South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona, is a historical landmark that provides a window into the region's past. Built in 1936 by William Lunsford, the site originally served as his home and a trading post. Lunsford, affectionately known as 'Grandpa' by the local children, sold curios, Indigenous crafts, sodas, and candy. He was known for his generosity, often giving away more treats than he sold.After Lunsford's death, the building briefly became a bar in the 1970s before being abandoned. The City of Phoenix acquired the property and, in 2012, undertook a stabilization project to preserve the remaining structures. Today, visitors can freely explore the stone ruins, which are a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset.While the roofs of the buildings are mostly gone, the remaining walls offer a tangible connection to the past. Across the road from Scorpion Gulch is the trailhead for the Max Delta Trail, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding desert landscape. Scorpion Gulch provides a peaceful escape and a chance to reflect on the history of the area.