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Dankworth Pond State Park, which is a part of the Arizona State Park system, was built around a riparian area at the base of the Pinaleno Mountains in eastern Arizona. The park's main attraction is Dankworth Pond, which is fed by water from an artesian hot spring. A 2-mile loop trail winds through the park. Along its course are Dankworth Pond and a small village of prehistoric Native American dwellings. These dwellings are typical of Safford area sites, and showcase both Apache and Mogollon construction styles.
Water from the artesian hot spring trickles down a shallow trough at the park's entrance into the 15-acre pond. It seems to be popular with birds and local fishermen alike. The path along the pond's edge soon arrives at a sign for the Dos Arroyos Trail. Hang a left and follow it down into the dry wash of Jacobson Creek, where interpretive signs begin to describe the area. A short distance later, a sign for Dankworth Village will mark the location of a side trail to the top of a small mesa, where the dwelling exhibit is located. The village is a short, half-mile round trip hike. Continuing on, the loop trail passes through a grove of cottonwoods and salt cedars that are watered by overflow from Dankworth Pond.
The trail crosses a couple of wooden bridges here, before arriving back at the pond itself. Take in the views of the Pinaleno mountain range that rises 8000 feet above you.
There is no fee for this event. Your trip leaders are camping the weekend at Roper Lake. You can reserve your trailer, tent or cabin at: https://azstateparks.itinio.com/roperlake/
Follow US-191 S out of Safford for approximately 8 miles. Turn E on to Dankworth Lake Rd. and proceed to the parking area. Arrive a little before 9 am for sign in.
Joe&Hans can be reached at: MellowHikers@ComputerComprehension.com
or 602-708-9691 (text only)
