Granite Reef Recreation Area, August 14, 2020

Mary Ann and I went to the Granite Reef Recreation Area on the Salt River on August 14, 2020. We’ve been having a spell of hotter and dryer than normal weather, so we went early for the cooler temperatures. The river was running low, due to the lack of rainfall. We got there at about 6:30, and left at around 9:00. It’s about a 20 minute drive from our house. We only had time to hike the west trail, as far as we could go, to where the ‘no trespassing’ signs are before the dam.

Last time I went, the Tonto National Forest campgrounds and recreation sites were closed due to Covid-19, so I had to park up by the dam and hike in. This time, the parking lot was open. There were a lot of cars, and the parking lot was full. With the hot weather, people are using this spot to put kayaks and paddle boards into the river.

On the way out, we saw some Vermilion Flycatchers in the mesquite trees near the parking lot. This is a pretty reliable spot to see the Vermilions, though I didn’t see any last time I was there.

It was nice to get out to the river, hike, and take off our masks!