Haumont Dam – Arizona’s Hidden Water‑Works Gem
If you think the Grand Canyon is the only jaw‑dropping sight in northern Arizona, think again. Tucked away near the historic town of Saint Johns, Haumont Dam offers a quiet, off‑the‑beaten‑path experience that blends rugged desert scenery with the gentle hush of a man‑made reservoir. Whether you’re a road‑trip enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply hunting for a peaceful spot to stretch your legs, Haumont Dam deserves a place on your Arizona itinerary.
About Haumont Dam
Location: Saint Johns, Arizona, United States
Coordinates: 34.537768 N, ‑109.695815 W
Height: 8.38 m (≈ 27 ft)
Altitude: 1,709 m (≈ 5,607 ft) above sea level
Haumont Dam is a modest‑sized earth‑fill dam that sits at an elevation of 1,709 m, offering sweeping views of the surrounding high‑desert plateau. Though it lacks a dedicated Wikipedia page, the dam plays an important role in local water management—collecting runoff from the surrounding mesas and providing a reliable source of irrigation water for ranches and farms in the Saint Johns area.
The dam’s construction date isn’t widely documented, but historical aerial photos show that it has been a fixture of the landscape for several decades. Its low‑profile design blends seamlessly into the terrain, making it a perfect spot for low‑impact recreation such as bird‑watching, gentle shoreline walks, and sunset photography.
Why Haumont Matters
- Water Resource: Serves local agriculture and helps sustain the arid ecosystem.
- Scenic Value: The reservoir mirrors the dramatic sky and distant red‑rock formations, creating a natural photo studio.
- Quiet Retreat: Unlike the crowded tourist hotspots of Arizona, Haumont offers solitude and a chance to hear the desert’s subtle sounds.
How to Get There
By Car
- Start in Flagstaff: From I‑40, take US‑89 North toward Page.
- Exit at Saint Johns: Follow the signs for AZ‑61 West, which becomes AZ‑260 West after the town.
- Turn onto County Road R‑13: After about 6 mi, look for a small, unmarked turnoff on the left that leads to a gravel road heading toward the dam.
The total drive from Flagstaff is roughly 120 km (75 mi) and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The route is scenic, winding through pine‑forested canyons before opening onto the high desert.
By Public Transportation
Public transit options are limited in this part of Arizona. The nearest Greyhound stop is in Flagstaff, and from there you’ll need to rent a car or arrange a rideshare to reach Saint Johns.
Parking & Access
A small, free parking area sits just off the gravel road near the dam’s spillway. The lot can accommodate 10–12 cars, so arrive early on weekends during peak season.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar – May) | Daytime highs 20‑27 °C (68‑80 °F); occasional showers | Wildflowers bloom on the surrounding mesas, adding splashes of color to your photos. |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Hot, dry; highs 30‑38 °C (86‑100 °F) | Early morning and late‑evening visits are comfortable; the reservoir offers a cool backdrop. |
| Fall (Sep – Nov) | Mild temperatures 15‑25 °C (59‑77 °F) | Clear skies and crisp air make for perfect sunrise or sunset shots. |
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | Cold nights, occasional snow at higher elevations; daytime 5‑12 °C (41‑54 °F) | The dam’s surface can freeze in patches, creating a surreal winter landscape—ideal for adventurous photographers. |
Peak visitation tends to be during spring wildflower season and fall when temperatures are moderate. If you prefer solitude, aim for a weekday early morning in late summer or early winter.
What to Expect
The Landscape
Approaching Haumont Dam, you’ll first notice the gentle rise of the reservoir against the backdrop of distant red‑rock cliffs. The water is typically a turquoise‑green hue, reflecting the sky and the sparse vegetation that clings to the shoreline. The dam itself is low‑profile, built of compacted earth and rock, with a modest spillway that creates a soft, continuous trickle—perfect for ambient sound in your travel videos.
Activities
- Photography: The dam’s reflective surface makes for striking sunrise and sunset compositions. Bring a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the water’s color.
- Bird‑watching: Look for waterfowl such as Mallards and the occasional Great Blue Heron. The surrounding scrub provides habitat for raptors like the Red‑tailed Hawk.
- Light Hiking: A short, informal trail circles the reservoir (≈ 2 km). It’s unmarked but well‑trodden by locals. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
- Picnicking: There are a few flat rocks and a modest picnic table near the parking area—ideal for a quick snack.
Facilities
Haumont Dam is a primitive site: there are no restrooms, concession stands, or formal visitor centers. Pack out all trash, and bring enough water and supplies for the duration of your visit.
Nearby Attractions
While Haumont Dam is the star of the show, the surrounding region offers several other small‑scale dams and points of interest that are perfect for a day‑long adventure.
| Attraction | Distance from Haumont Dam | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Dad Patterson Dam | 1.0 km | A similar earth‑fill structure with a larger reservoir—great for a quick photo stop. |
| Fenceline Tank Dam | 2.2 km | Offers a small fishing pond; locals often cast lines here. |
| Ward Dam | 6.7 km | Surrounded by sagebrush; ideal for quiet contemplation. |
| Merrilyn Dam | 10.1 km | Slightly larger water body with a rustic picnic area. |
| Jungle Dam | 11.1 km | The most remote of the group; the name reflects the surprisingly lush vegetation along its banks. |
All of these sites are reachable via the same network of county roads that lead to Haumont Dam, making it easy to create a “dam tour” of northern Arizona’s hidden waterworks.
Travel Tips
- Fuel Up Early – Gas stations are sparse between Flagstaff and Saint Johns. Fill up in Flagstaff or the small convenience store in Saint Johns before heading to the dam.
- Cell Service – Coverage can be spotty. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before you leave.
- Dress in Layers – At 1,709 m elevation, temperatures can swing dramatically from morning to afternoon, especially in spring and fall.
- Sun Protection – The high desert sun is intense. Wear a wide‑brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Leave No Trace – Pack out everything you bring in. The area is a fragile desert ecosystem, and there are no trash receptacles on site.
- Respect Private Property – Some of the surrounding land is privately owned ranchland. Stay on public roads and the designated informal trail around the reservoir.
- Timing for Photography – The “golden hour” (30 minutes after sunrise or before sunset) provides the most dramatic lighting on the water. Check sunrise/sunset times for your travel dates.
- Safety First – The dam’s spillway can be slippery when water flow is high. Keep children and pets supervised at all times.
Wrap‑Up
Haumont Dam may not have the fame of Hoover or Glen Canyon, but its understated charm makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking authentic, low‑key experiences in Arizona’s high desert. From the quiet ripple of water against the earth‑fill wall to the sweeping vistas of distant mesas, the dam offers a slice of serenity that’s increasingly rare in today’s fast‑paced world.
Add Haumont Dam to your road‑trip itinerary, pair it with the nearby Dad Patterson, Fenceline Tank, Ward, Merrilyn, and Jungle dams, and you’ll discover a hidden network of water‑centric sites that showcase the ingenuity and beauty of Arizona’s lesser‑known landscapes.
Pack your camera, bring a sense of adventure, and let the quiet waters of Haumont Dam refresh your wanderlust.