South of Interstate 8 the Gila Mountains show us more spectacular vistas. The colors on the western slopes of these peaks create amazingly intense purple and burgundy tones at sunset.

Looking southeast from the end of the South Frontage road, we see three prominent peaks. On the left we have an un-named peak that has a U.S. flag on its summit. To the right, we have another popular hiking peak that has several local names: Fortuna Peak, Flag Peak and Jester's Peak are three that I'm aware of. Some call it Jester's Peak because the ever-popular Jester's trail winds upward on its northern flank. Some call it Flag Peak because there's an American Flag on its summit as well. This peak also hosts the remaining wreckage of the ill-fated B-17 bomber that crashed into the mountain on June 28, 1944. All five crew members were killed.

In between the two "flag" peaks is a dramatic, un-named blade-shaped mountain with a protruding peak that looks like a shark tooth. So that's what I call it.

The southwest view of these three peaks is one of my favorite panoramas, owing to their rugged shapes and their dramatic colors at sunset.