Soldier Annex Dam – A Hidden Gem in the Arizona High Country
If you’re chasing off‑the‑beaten‑path water wonders in the Southwest, Soldier Annex Dam should be at the top of your list. Nestled at 2,063 m (6,765 ft) above sea level near the quaint town of Pine, Arizona, this modest 9.14 m (30 ft) concrete dam offers stunning mountain vistas, crisp alpine air, and a peaceful retreat far from the tourist crowds of Sedona and Flagstaff.
About Soldier Annex Dam
Soldier Annex Dam is a small but striking dam located at latitude 34.781302 N, longitude ‑111.227901 W, just a few miles east of Pine, AZ. Though it doesn’t have a Wikipedia page, the dam plays an essential role in the local water management system, helping to regulate runoff from the surrounding Coconino National Forest and providing a reliable water source for nearby ranches and wildlife.
Built as an annex to the larger Soldier Reservoir system, the dam’s concrete spillway channels mountain streams into a tranquil reservoir that mirrors the surrounding ponderosa pine forest and the rugged red‑rock backdrop. Its modest height of 9.14 m makes it accessible for hikers and photographers who want to get up close without the safety concerns of larger, high‑flow dams.
Why it matters:
- Ecological stewardship: The dam helps sustain riparian habitats that support trout, waterfowl, and a variety of desert‑edge flora.
- Recreational value: Anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers flock to the area for quiet, low‑impact outdoor experiences.
- Scenic backdrop: The dam’s high‑altitude setting provides panoramic views of the Mogollon Rim and the distant San Francisco Peaks, making it a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset shots.
Because Soldier Annex Dam is relatively unknown, it remains a pristine spot where you can truly feel the pulse of Arizona’s high‑country wilderness.
How to Get There
By Car
- Start from Phoenix – Take I‑17 north to Flagstaff (≈ 140 mi).
- From Flagstaff – Merge onto US‑89A north toward Sedona. Continue on US‑89A for about 30 mi; you’ll pass through the charming town of Oak Creek.
- Turn onto AZ‑89A – Follow the signs for Pine. The road winds through the Coconino National Forest, offering spectacular pine‑filled vistas.
- Arrival – After roughly 5 mi from the Pine turn‑off, look for a small, unpaved parking area marked “Soldier Annex Dam” on the right side of the road. The dam sits just a short walk from the lot.
Total driving time: ~2 hours from Phoenix, ~45 minutes from Flagstaff.
By Air
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – The closest commercial airport (≈ 30 mi). Rent a car and follow the directions above.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) – If you’re flying in from farther away, Phoenix offers the most flight options. From PHX, rent a car and enjoy a scenic two‑hour drive through central Arizona.
Public Transportation
There is no direct public transit to Soldier Annex Dam. The most reliable option is to rent a vehicle or join a local guided tour that includes Pine and surrounding high‑country sites.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather & Conditions | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March‑May) | Mild daytime temps (15‑22 °C), occasional snow melt streams. | Wildflowers bloom in the forest, and water levels are higher, creating vivid reflections. |
| Summer (June‑August) | Warm days (25‑30 °C) but cool evenings; occasional thunderstorms. | Longer daylight hours for photography; perfect for early‑morning hikes before heat peaks. |
| Fall (September‑November) | Crisp air (10‑18 °C), stunning golden foliage. | The forest turns amber, offering dramatic contrast against the blue reservoir. |
| Winter (December‑February) | Snow occasionally blankets the area; temps can dip below 0 °C. | Quiet, snow‑capped scenery; excellent for winter photography and peaceful solitude. |
Tip: The dam’s water level fluctuates with seasonal runoff. Late spring through early summer typically offers the fullest reservoir, ideal for reflective shots.
What to Expect
Arriving at Soldier Annex Dam feels like stepping into a postcard. The short, well‑maintained trail from the parking lot leads you through a stand of ponderosa pines to a modest overlook. From here, you can see the dam’s concrete spillway cutting across a narrow canyon, with the reservoir’s glass‑like surface reflecting the sky and surrounding peaks.
- Photography: Early morning light casts a golden hue on the dam, while late afternoon sun highlights the red‑rock cliffs. Bring a wide‑angle lens for landscape shots and a telephoto for wildlife.
- Birdwatching & Wildlife: Look for Great Horned Owls perched on pine branches, and keep an eye on the water’s edge for ducks, grebes, and occasional trout jumping.
- Hiking: The area connects to several low‑impact forest trails that loop back toward Pine, allowing for 2‑5 km hikes with gentle elevation changes.
- Picnicking: A few flat stones near the water serve as natural benches. Pack a light lunch and enjoy the tranquil sound of water flowing over the spillway.
Because the dam is not heavily commercialized, there are no restrooms or concession stands on site. Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment.
Nearby Attractions
While Soldier Annex Dam is the star of the show, the surrounding high country offers several other water‑related sites worth a quick detour. Click the links for more details (note: these are placeholder URLs for illustration).
- Tremaine Reservoir Dam – 2.4 km north; a larger reservoir popular with anglers seeking rainbow trout.
- Hay Lake Dam – 5.4 km east; a serene spot ideal for paddle‑boarding in the summer months.
- Snake Number Two Dam – 5.5 km southwest; offers a short interpretive trail about historic water rights in Arizona.
- Unnamed Dam – 6.5 km – A hidden spillway tucked in a narrow canyon; perfect for adventurous hikers.
- Grapevine Spring – 9.1 km southeast; a natural spring where you can refill water bottles and enjoy a shaded picnic.
All of these attractions are reachable via the same forest service roads that lead to Soldier Annex Dam, making a day‑trip loop easy to plan.
Travel Tips
- Bring a map or GPS: Cellular service can be spotty in the forest. Download offline maps of the Pine area before you set out.
- Dress in layers: At 2,063 m altitude, temperatures can swing dramatically between sun and shade. A lightweight fleece works well.
- Stay hydrated: Even at cooler elevations, the desert sun can dehydrate you quickly. Carry at least 2 L of water per person.
- Check road conditions: Winter snow or summer monsoon storms can temporarily close forest roads. The Coconino National Forest website provides real‑time updates.
- Leave no trace: Pack out all trash, avoid feeding wildlife, and stay on designated trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.
- Timing for photography: Sunrise (≈ 6:30 am in summer) and sunset (≈ 5:30 pm) provide the most dramatic lighting. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
- Safety first: The dam’s spillway can be slippery when wet. Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, especially after heavy rain.
Wrap‑Up
Soldier Annex Dam may not have the fame of the Grand Canyon or the bustling vibe of Sedona, but that’s precisely why it’s a treasure for travelers seeking authentic Arizona high‑country experiences. With its modest height, crystal‑clear reservoir, and surrounding pine forest, the dam offers a peaceful escape for photographers, hikers, and anyone looking to unplug in nature.
Plan your visit, respect the land, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of a hidden oasis perched high above the desert floor. Happy travels!