Indian Bend Wash to Tempe Town Lake

Photo by Lisa E White

Photo kam-az.com

Tempe Center for the Arts

While exploring the southern end of Indian Bend Wash, you find yourself in the small portion of Tempe north of the Salt River where the Indian Bend Wash ends.  The 11 miles of bike paths connect smoothly to Tempe's extensive bike trail system, making it easy to continue on South to ASU or the Light Rail.  The photo at the top is the park where Indian Bend Wash enters the Salt River bed, now Tempe Town Lake.  Opened in 1999, this 224 acre lake was formed by using inflatable rubber barriers which will eventually be covered with walkway bridges in order to form a continuous loop around the lake.  The Valley Metro Light Rail that goes from Mesa to Phoenix built a bridge in 2008 that creates a light show when the train passes, adding to the aesthetic beauty at night.  From fishing, boating, sculling, and sailing to events such as the Ironman swim in November, the lake creates many possibilities for fun. Having a neighbor like Tempe enriches Scottsdale.