On this episode of Arizona Backroads, Birdman rides 13 miles and 138 curves deep into the Superstition Mountains to visit one of Arizona's most legendary outposts — Tortilla Flat.

Population: 6.

Oldest surviving stagecoach town in Arizona.

And home to an estimated 750,000 dollar bills covering the walls.

Birdman sits down with Ryan — assistant general manager, maintenance lead, and unofficial town historian — to unpack the wild history behind this former dam-worker camp turned iconic desert stop.

You'll hear about:

🏜️ How Tortilla Flat got its name (and why it's not "Flats")

🐻 The 1928 zoo and the bear that bit a tourist

🔥 The fire that reshaped the town

💵 Why miners nailed their last dollar to the wall

⛏️ The legend of the Lost Dutchman and Jacob Waltz

🌊 Flooded roads, tarantula crossings & stuck delivery trucks

📬 The still-operating village post office

🏍️ Why motorcyclists and cyclists make this a must-ride destination

They dive into the gold lore of the Superstitions, the Spanish cross artifact found in a cave, and the myth that the old hotel was built with gold-infused bricks.

This isn't a tourist trap.

It's a living piece of Arizona history.

And you can't experience it online.

You have to ride the curves.

Watch for the javelina.

And step inside.

Arizona Backroads — Get out and explore.

On this episode of Arizona Backroads, Birdman is back at the Grand Vista Lounge inside the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, sitting down with Ron Alosi and members of his powerhouse band, The Situation.

Seven-piece band.

No backing tracks.

No safety nets.

Just live musicianship under the Arizona sky.

Ron — entertainment director at the resort — along with Dave Morgan on bass and Harry Young on guitar, break down how the band came together, how a strapless emergency bass gig turned into a long-term partnership, and why live music in Scottsdale is stronger than ever.

You'll hear about:

🎸 The evolution of the Phoenix live music scene

🌅 Playing outdoor sunset sets against the McDowell Mountains

🔥 Winter patio gigs with fireplaces and heaters

🎶 Why tracks are replacing musicians — and why this band refuses to use them

🏖️ Daytime live music at Arizona's only beach-style resort pool

🎤 The difference between concert stages and resort lounge experiences

Ron also shares how the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale bar was recognized as one of the top Hyatt bars in the Americas — and why live entertainment is at the center of that success.

This isn't a concert ticket episode.

This is about where locals go.

Where visitors stumble into magic.

Where music is still played — not pressed.

Arizona Backroads — Get out and explore.