Horseshoe Reservoir & Dam

Located in the northwest portion of Tonto National Forest (Arizona), we’re exploring here today because it’s an easy trail and they’re doing a special water release at the dam; which should create a beautiful waterfall we can actually walk behind.

Jeep

We’re making some significant changes to our mode of travel for the upcoming year and the first step is the purchase of a Jeep Wrangler. For those who love Jeeps or are just curious… it’s a JLU Rubicon X on 35″ tires.

On our way out to the dam we stop around mile eight to take some pictures of the Jeep in the desert before we hit the dirt and get it dirty.

Horseshoe Reservoir

After traversing the next nine miles through the desert and along the Verde River the road comes to an end at the Ocotillo Boat Launch on the reservoir.

Located on the Verde River northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest and formed by the construction of the Horseshoe Dam in 1946, water levels of this reservoir lake can vary greatly.

We were here many years ago (2021) and the water levels were so low the boat ramp was closed and the road continued into the reservoir. Significantly different from what we’re seeing today.

Horseshoe Dam

After leaving the reservoir we take a left to access the Dam. This 202 feet high, earth fill structure has a reservoir capacity of 131,500 acre-feet. Completed in 1946, it’s was updated in 1993 to address earthquake and flood concerns. Today, with the special water release, it’s providing quite a show.

Approaching the dam we see the sun highlighting the falls before descending down the hill to find the walkway.

I’m not sure when the walkway behind the dam was constructed; but we definitely appreciate the ability to access it.

The view from the walkway looking down the Verde River is amazing.

Click here to see a video taken from behind the waterfall on our YouTube Channel. Please note, the sound of the water from this angle is very loud, so please be prepared or adjust your volume accordingly.

And the view from behind the waterfall is stunning.

Verde River Valley

After leaving the dam we stop to take in the Verde River Valley as the sun begins to set.

We managed to get back to town and find some dinner before we lost all light; but driving straight uphill into the sun was a challenge.

However, the sunset view behind the Jeep as we finish dinner makes it all worth it.

Hopefully this will be the first of many incredible adventures in our new Jeep.