Little Not-So-Dry Creek

August 21, 2025

We returned to hike Little Dry Creek the morning after a big storm that hit Sacaton Mesa especially hard. Sacaton Road was mess! Washout after washout. We weren't at all sure that we could make it to the trailhead. And even if we could, after our very spotty monsoon season, the creek was probably dry.

But once we dropped into the canyon, we were happy to see a few puddles along the trail. And the dew was so heavy it soaked my pants to the waist!

Like most trails on the ragged west side of the Gila, Little Dry Creek is subject to frequent flooding, erosion and fire damage. The trail was maintained recently, and generally in great condition, but there were still quite a few downed trees. Here's Diane and Dennis scampering over an enormous pondo.

The old cabin is still more or less intact.

One of the main attractions of this trail is the opportunity to explore the rugged Mogollon Mountains.

There are fanstastic close-in views of West Baldy as well as some stunning rock formations.

Little Dry Creek Falls in April, 2024, versus August, 2025. Recent storms have helped relieve the drought, but the Gila is still running a deficit.

We stopped for lunch beside a small pool just below the waterfall, where water striders danced on the surface. Their rapid motions broke up the surface of the water into patterns resembling shattered glass.

Just above the creek on the east side is an old adit, that might be "Gold Bar Claim No. 1". There was an old ore car near the entrance.

While Little Dry Creek Falls was not running, there was a lovely water feature in an unnamed side canyon.

Summer Wildflowers

It was so nice to see summer wildflowers finally blossoming along the creek! Here are a few favorites: