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Shannon Campground - 3 members in 14 triplogs have rated this an average 3.7 ( 1 to 5 best )
14 triplogs
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Jun 24 2025
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 24 2025
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking4.50 Miles 1,050 AEG
Hiking4.50 Miles
1,050 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Sunrise start
Counter loop up the service road, down Arcadia trail.
Outstanding views on top as always.
Very green throughout.
Stopped for an hour at Shannon to talk with friends.
Light rain fell at the end.
:D
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Sep 11 2023
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 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 11 2023
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking5.00 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
1,100 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Treasure Park Campground
Partners none no partners
Whenever Pinaleno first timers ask me what trail to hike, I always send them up to do Heliograph Peak.
It's a great trail with outstanding views and history, it's always in my Mt Graham Fav 5.
Today I went up counter clock starting with the service road up to the top.
On top I took in the awesome views at 10,000+ feet, then meandered around the historic fire lookout tower and cabin built in 1933.
I then headed back on the Arcadia Trail where I stopped for a snack break at the Eagle Rock overlook.
1 more mile along the upper Arcadia Trail and I was back at Shannon Campground to complete the loop.
Along the way were several white tails, a decent amount of raspberries to pick and on top there was some golden aspen leaves.

Threatening stormy skies all day with a few claps of thunder, but I stayed dry.
Temps on top were in the 70's ... got down to the low 60's as I had dinner just before sunset at Treasure Park.

Great day on top, will rinse & repeat this one many more times!
:D
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Some gold aspen leaves on top, color changes along the switchbacks on the drive up.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Heliograph Spring Dripping Dripping
_____________________
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Sep 06 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Snow FlatTucson, AZ
Snow Flat
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 06 2022
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking3.50 Miles 350 AEG
Hiking3.50 Miles
350 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Snow Flat Campground
Treasure Park from Snow Flat
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Started with the purdy trail down Snow Flat and back. Both creeks flowing good and there is some colors changing down in that canyon at 9000 feet.
Next up was the back trail to Treasure Park. Took it just half way and finally hit up the old logging road that I have looked at many times on the topo. Beautiful forest down this one and a good overlook view to boot.
After Snow Flat I drove down to Shannon to see my 2 camp host buddies. Shannon was a ghost campground, my friends have left for the season?
On to the Arrow Tree overlook for sunset before the drive back down and home.
Lots of deer this afternoon! I would guesstimate 15 spotted? Along with 2 Abert's, 4 hawks and lion tracks in the mud on the back trail.
Very chill afternoon on upper Graham.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Snow Flat Reservoir 76-100% full 76-100% full
Going over (and under) the small dam.
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Sep 05 2022
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 Guides 94
 Routes 843
 Photos 22,259
 Triplogs 2,011

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2022
chumley • Triplogs 2,011
Hiking4.85 Miles 1,188 AEG
Hiking4.85 Miles   2 Hrs   41 Mns   2.22 mph
1,188 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Partners partners
BiFrost
John9L
Fifteen years after my last hike on this loop :o :o :o

There have been a few changes over the years, but it's still a great little loop with enjoyable views and a solid workout. We ran into a group of mountain bikers who I believe took the route downhill to Acadia. They did not appear to be really enjoying themselves. Lol.

The aspens here are coming back, but not as quickly as those over on Webb. I was happy that the short grassy "chute" near the top is still intact. We took a good break at the summit where at the surface it was pleasant, but even two flights up the tower the wind was nearly unbearably strong. It's nice to see the firefighters protected this peak despite the forest service's best efforts to manage the whole range to complete destruction. [-(
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
 
Sep 05 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Routes 491
 Photos 10,910
 Triplogs 1,258

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2022
BiFrost • Triplogs 1,258
Hiking4.85 Miles 1,188 AEG
Hiking4.85 Miles   2 Hrs   41 Mns   2.22 mph
1,188 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Partners partners
chumley
John9L
Fun peak loop on our final day in the Graham's. We made a loop out of it utilizing the service road for the towers which turned out to be a great choice. We started on the trail side first on what looked like recently maintained tread. Some sizeable tree cuts and minor rock work were a pleasant surprise to the hike.

On the main ridge below the summit we ran into some mountain bikers who as Chumley mentioned did not seem to be having much fun. The trail wraps around the summit before it switchbacks to the tower. This area also had a lot of new aspens which was the theme of many fire damaged areas on the mountain.

Once on the summit we checked out the tower. The wind was howling especially even part way up the tower. We checked it out and then retreated to ground level for a nice lunch break. After lunch it was down the service road to finish out the loop.
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  2 archives
Aug 30 2022
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 Routes 85
 Photos 3,737
 Triplogs 488

female
 Joined Oct 15 2002
 Rimrock, Arizona
Shannon CampgroundTucson, AZ
Shannon Campground
Tucson, AZ
Car Camping avatar Aug 30 2022
cactuscat • Triplogs 488
Car Camping2.50 Miles
Car Camping2.50 Miles
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Arcadia Trail #328
Partners none no partners
Quick overnight at Shannon.
Joe is gone, Mike is gone ... just one other couple camping.
The streams are running good through the campground. Raspberries are pretty picked over, but the ones I found were yummy.
Rain came in while I was out hiking - had to rush back to keep everything in my tent from being soaked - shouldn't have left camp without putting the fly on, no matter how unlikely rain looked ... summer in the mountains, I know better.
Stopped at Angle Orchard on the way down, since they were unexpectedly open mid-week. That was fun! And the apples are amazing.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Apple
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Abert's Squirrel  Hermit Warbler
_____________________
  2 archives
Aug 16 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Arcadia Trail #328Tucson, AZ
Arcadia Trail #328
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 16 2022
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking3.50 Miles 500 AEG
Hiking3.50 Miles
500 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   6 linked trail guides
Shannon Campground
Jacobson Sawmill
Arcadia Campground
Wet Canyon
Round the Mountain Campground
Roper Lake State Park
Partners partners
AddSanz
Chad & Addie's annual mountain raspberry picking trip!
From Shannon CG, took the Arcadia trail out to about 1 mile and back.
Both our mason jars were full of sweets by the time we got back to Shannon :y:
We then drove back down the mountain and hiked to Cluff Dairy to check on apples & grapes.
Grapes are not even close to ready and the apple trees have already been picked almost clean, 2 apples left that we ate up on our hike back out.
Then a stop at Arcadia and hike down to Wet Canyon for some creek time.
RTM CG was the last mountain stop for a little R&R.
Roper Lake stop back in town to check water flow ended this fun day trip.
Wildlife - I think this was my first time ever spotting 2 endangered species in one day!
Mt Graham Red Squirrel up high & 2 Mexican Spotted Owls down low.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Substantial up high, moderate down low

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Roper Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Wet Canyon Light flow Light flow
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Jun 12 2022
avatar

 Routes 15
 Photos 128
 Triplogs 16

male
 Joined Mar 20 2022
 Safford, Arizona
The Raspberry Laden Heliograph Trail, AZ 
The Raspberry Laden Heliograph Trail, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 12 2022
RockinronnieF • Triplogs 16
Hiking2.06 Miles 355 AEG
Hiking2.06 Miles   1 Hour   29 Mns   1.96 mph
355 ft AEG      26 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Arcadia CG
Marijilda Cutoff
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Heliograph Peak Loop
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
The best hike when family are in town! Or, perhaps your wife is a rare hiker. The soft footed covered Trail to Heliograph Peak is a great choice. You can hike the mile to Eagle Rock like we did, to the dramatic Eagle Rock. Rest, and hike back to Shannon's n Campground. The view to the north is expansive, inspiring. You do climb gradually 300 feet for good exercise. Come in late July and join the bears for sweet Mt Graham raspberries. :D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Raspberry, Locust, Aspen
 
Apr 05 2022
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 05 2022
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking4.25 Miles 1,030 AEG
Hiking4.25 Miles
1,030 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Shannon Campground
Partners partners
AddSanz
My 20th Helio loop hike and #4 with my buddy. Yup, I like them both!
Service road up, Arcadia trail down.
Windy clear blue sky views on top of scenic 10,080
Hit more than anticipated snow on the north side of the peak slowing us down a bit, knee level at some points.
Enjoyed Shannon CG along the creek for a bit before leaving.
Fun hike with a good friend, look forward to #21
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Heliograph Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
_____________________
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Jul 08 2020
avatar

 Routes 85
 Photos 3,737
 Triplogs 488

female
 Joined Oct 15 2002
 Rimrock, Arizona
Shannon CampgroundTucson, AZ
Shannon Campground
Tucson, AZ
Car Camping avatar Jul 08 2020
cactuscat • Triplogs 488
Car Camping2.50 Miles
Car Camping2.50 Miles2 Days         
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Things I learned during this 24 hours on the mountain -

-If your pishing game is on point, you might end up with a young Red-faced Warbler perched on your foot.

-Roadrunners can and do exist at 9,000 feet. ("rare" above 7,000)

-Some people actually bring a rake and use it on their campsite before they set up.

-The little stream that runs through Shannon contains some of the slipperiest rocks I've encountered anywhere. (insert sudden, violent fall here)

-When you're just waking up, the whir of hummingbird wings outside your tent can sound just like a cat purring next to you in bed.

Looking forward to the next set of lessons - as always!
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Broad-tailed Hummingbird  Cliff Chipmunk  Coues White-tailed Deer  Greater Roadrunner  Red-faced Warbler  Rivoli's Hummingbird  Western Tanager
_____________________
  1 archive
Jun 18 2020
avatar

 Routes 85
 Photos 3,737
 Triplogs 488

female
 Joined Oct 15 2002
 Rimrock, Arizona
Shannon CampgroundTucson, AZ
Shannon Campground
Tucson, AZ
Car Camping avatar Jun 18 2020
cactuscat • Triplogs 488
Car Camping5.50 Miles
Car Camping5.50 Miles2 Days         
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Swift Trail (State Hwy 366)
Partners none no partners
Had long-standing reservation for my annual Fool Hollow visit, but with the virus spreading faster than ever and fires burning everywhere, I decided to continue staying close to home.
Luckily, Shannon is just a 25-mile, 45-minute drive - and most importantly, about 6,000 feet higher! I've never camped here before, but I definitely will again! Nice to save the extra hour of bumpy dirt driving up to Riggs, and the tiny campground does not lend itself to crowds or partying. Completely quiet, though nearly full. Incredible weather - 75-78 high and around 50? low ... felt quite freezing in the morning, though!
Talked to a few people - especially one very nice couple who live at the base of Mt Lemmon. Talked birds and cameras, and fires ... at one point late Wednesday afternoon, another camper was convinced there was a fire on Graham, but it was just the sight and smell of Mt Lemmon burning some 60 miles away. :(
Hiked/birded around the campground, up Swift Trail and back through the drainage, and down Arcadia Trail a couple times.
Got my first ever Flammulated Owl right at my campsite - heard it in the evening and again in the morning. A couple of nesting Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were pointed out to me by the nice lady from Tucson. Saw my second and third Mt Graham Red Squirrels, and a couple Coues Deer browsing in the empty site next to mine.
Very enjoyable. :D
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Broad-tailed Hummingbird  House Wren  Mount Graham Red Squirrel
_____________________
 
May 04 2020
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 04 2020
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking4.75 Miles 1,130 AEG
Hiking4.75 Miles
1,130 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
Heliograph Peak from Shannon GC
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Oooooh Helio, This one will always be a Pinaleno favorite and a staple to my yearly hiking diet!
I chose the rare clockwise direction because others were going up counter ... antisocial today.
This will always be a wonderful trail to me, but with the Frye fire aftermath it is in need of much help that I worry will never come (Shannon to Helio segment).
After my hike, I spent a couple of hours at Shannon with a meal & hammock nap. Shannon looks good!
Very slow wildlife day, only a lone Garter snake along Shannon Creek was spotted.
Perfect temps up high, great day on Graham.
:D
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Heliograph Spring Gallon per minute Gallon per minute
Flowing as well as I've ever seen it.
_____________________
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Dec 24 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Shannon CampgroundTucson, AZ
Shannon Campground
Tucson, AZ
Car Camping avatar Dec 24 2017
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Car Camping
Car Camping   6 Hrs      0.00 mph
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Arcadia Campground
Partners none no partners
Day camp with breakfast in the snow up high.
Wonderful Christmas Eve day.
:D
_____________________
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Oct 13 2017
avatar

 Guides 4
 Photos 4,732
 Triplogs 2,642

55 male
 Joined Sep 29 2004
 Small Town USA
Heliograph Peak LoopTucson, AZ
Heliograph Peak Loop
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 13 2017
SkyIslander18 • Triplogs 2,642
Hiking9.40 Miles 1,650 AEG
Hiking9.40 Miles
1,650 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   linked  
High Peak Road #507
Shannon Campground
Partners none no partners
Bad start to the morning when at Ladybug Saddle on the drive up I stopped to read the info signs. Attempted to hop up a 2 foot rock wall and caught my toe. Crashed down hard on the wall bracing the impact with my elbow and forearm, it shot up my arm and I was 100% certain I had broke my arm. Jumped up to see my shoulder forward in an unnatural way, pushed in and lifted my arm to hear a pop and my shoulder was straight again. Damn it, I popped a vicodin and waited for it to kick in while contemplating ER or hiking. Vicodin kicked in and I chose hiking.

First up was High Peak Rd. My last visit I saw that my favorite aspen meadow had made it through the Frye Fire and I wanted to see it again. I arrived at the meadow to see it mostly autumn gold. I made a hammock camp and spent a few hours there ..... I could have stayed all day there, but Heliograph Peak was the goal of the day.

Next up Heliograph. Of all the trails that looked on heat & progression maps to have the least fire impact, I though this one may have fared well. I was dead wrong ..... except for the very top (peak) and a decent portion of the back trail, this loop IMO is destroyed. The peak was nice, but showed from 10,000 feet up the majority of the mountain top and I am now certain that except for the campgrounds ..... you will be hard pressed to find 1 acre of forest from Heliograph Peak to Riggs Lake that has not been impacted from the fire. I popped a second pain killer and completed the loop back down to Shannon CG, this campground looked good!

There was good - I saw an unbelievable amount of deer (maybe 20-25), a dozen Abert's & many big birds above.
Lots of contractors driving up & down the Swift Trail continuing repairs on the mountain.
Heliograph Peak & High Peak meadow were wonderful!

On the drive back down I was 50/50 on an ER visit before going home. I chose home, we'll see what tomorrow brings.
:zzz:
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Heliograph Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
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  1 archive
average hiking speed 2.13 mph

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.

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