Plan was a swim at John's Dam/Jacobson Canyon.
Both were bone dry, not even a puddle.
Plan B was Dry Canyon.
Took it up to the climbing wall.
Good creek flow up here and had some light rain.
Added a plan C with a short hike down to Jacobson Creek via Ladybug Trail.
Just chilled by the water.
Fun afternoon.
Picked up my buddy for a couple hours of lower mountain fun.
We hiked down to Johns Dam which was flowing very good with snow melt.
Then it was out to Goat Tank for a sit.
Flowin' snow melt, flowers are coming in and green everywhere ... feels like spring.
Ended the day at Roper Lake for a birthday party and walk along the dam.
Adams Flat Falls - Wet & slick trail up, the triple falls looked great!
Noon Creek from RTM CG - Up the canyon to the 20 footer, looked great!
Johns Dam - Looked great!
I continued along the ditch line down to Goat Tank, tank is still low.
Bout' 15 ducks flew off as I arrived.
Did a little more exploring in the area with a climb up to the first mesa then down to the old ranch ruins before heading back.
Lot's of cattle poop along with the poopers on the hike back out.
Had a good time checking water flow, light rain throughout.
2 short-n-sweet ones on this snowy, rainy, cloudy afternoon.
First hiked up Cyclone Hill where I was greeted on top with a full rainbow to the east.
On the way back down I was serenaded by a pack of song dogs.
Was in the area so I hiked down to John's Dam to check the water flow ... good medium flow.
Very stormy scenic day out, only got hit by a few sprinkles.
Mt Graham is socked in and refused to reveal it's new snow on top, should see it tomorrow!
Very fun afternoon in the pools of John's Dam!
My buddy Lauren, her daughter & step mother were my water partners.
Jacobson creek is flowing light now and will be down to just pools in the next week or so.
Below the dam still had a good pool for us to splash around in up til sunset ... it was fun!
Canyon tree frog concert throughout the canyon as we left.
Next mountain swim will have to wait until the first good monsoon gets the canyon going again.
First stop Roper for a short hike up Mariah Mesa.
2nd stop down to John's Dam to check water flow.
Roper Lake is full and Jacobson Creek if flowing strong.
First stop at Roper to see my buddy and meet the new Park Manager.
2nd was up Jacobson Canyon.
John's dam looked awesome with all the snow melt flow.
The canyon was flowing good and I didn't want to, but had to get the shoes wet for several crossings up to the swimming hole.
No swim today ... but soon!
Lot's of tall green grass, yellow and purple flowers and endless little waterfalls all up the canyon.
Last stop was at Dankworth for sunset and another friend visit.
Thumbs up for my afternoon!
John's Dam to Goat Tank to Lefthand Canyon and back.
Was surprised at the water flow water going over the dam.
Was even more surprised to see Goat Tank half full.
Was not surprised at how rough & tough the terrain was getting to the entrance of Lefthand Canyon.
Short, but tiring off trail paths taken this afternoon.
Very desert beautiful out there!
Shorty down to the dam this late afternoon.
Thought there would be much more water flow?
Sprinkles here and there.
Lightning storms behind the mountain as I left.
It's been a great week of monsoon storms!
It's been hard getting an evening hike in before they hit.
Got up Jacobson to my favorite swimming hole and took the cold plunge as the first crackles of thunder rang overhead.
I added Goat Tank to the mix as light sprinkles fell.
Never made it down to the tank, way to bushwacky now.
Back at my vehicle I just chilled for sunset and stayed put for the evening's storms.
They hit from every direction tonight and I spent 2 hours photographing and enjoying the great light show!
Wasn't sure what weather I was gonna get on the mountain today?
Sooo ... I started on top at Ladybug Saddle and just worked my way down the mountain hitting favorite shorty's.
Ladybug Peak - Awesome views up & down. Dramatic skies 360 and a few ladybugs on top (still early for the masses).
Twilight Spring - I skipped the spring in favor of the Heliograph overlook view around the mountain.
Jacobson Sawmill - Just to Cluff Dairy to check on the apples. Ping pong ball size, but lots of them. First clap of thunder overhead.
John's Dam - Thunder to the south as I made my way down. No water flowing over, creek above dry.
Dankworth Pond - Last stop of the day to visit a friend and take in the sunset.
Cool temps up high, humid down low, little lightning & thunder here and there and the evening's sunset was good ... A good day!
Good ole' Noon Creek!
Always there when I need just a quick lower mountain trail.
Only hiked the southern portion up to the first creek crossing for my first swim of 22.
Was greeted at the crossing with a symphony of canyon tree frogs up & down the canyon.
Everything is real green now up there.
Quick stop & hike on the drive back down to John's Dam. Not a drop of water going over the dam ... seems way to early in the season for this
Was a good late afternooner, the water was cold but felt good!
Little desert loop hike I came up with when I first moved back to Safford 20+ years ago.
I still hike it every winter!
First down to Johns Dam, then along the flume down to Goat Tank.
2nd part is up and across the mesa to the Metate Peak overlook, then down to Ledford Tank.
A sit & eat break at this low tank before returning back to the start via an old jeep trail.
Jacobson creek flowing a little low, that will change soon with the melting snow.
Both cattle tanks very low.
But it is the awesome desert scenery with Mt Graham as a backdrop that will have me back again next year.
Good trip ...
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Route Editor
Route Scout
Goat Tank 
