RexTheDogWalker

Coconino National Forest near Payson [Link]

Since it was abandoned in the 1940s, the old road leading to Mack’s Crossing has disintegrated into a precipitous ledge overlooking a gaping gorge carved by East Clear Creek. Hike at a leisurely pace to savor the dramatic beauty of this canyon, whose rough conditions don’t deter brave souls on gear-covered ATVs from careening down its serpentine route.

The downhill trek to the creek begins on the sunny, summer cabin-peppered lip of the Mogollon Rim, passing fossiliferous limestone outcroppings and elegant Arizona walnut trees before rounding a bend where grand views of the waterway 600 feet below grab the spotlight.

Near the creek, thickets of wild roses, alders and exotic wildflowers color the landscape, serving up handy excuses to stop and take in the sights. Although the official trail ends where the road meets the shore of the stream, opportunities for wading, swimming and fishing abound both up and downstream.

HIGHLIGHTS: wildflowers, wild roses, swimmable creek
LENGTH: 4 miles (on trail)
ELEVATION: 6,250-6,860 feet
RATING: moderate
DOG RATING: ***
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 165 miles one way (2.75 hours)

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 89 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 89 past Clint’s Well to milepost 304.5 and turn right onto Enchanted Lane (Forest Road 319). Continue .2 miles to Green Ridge Drive, hang a right and go .5 miles to Juniper Drive. From here, turn right and go a short distance to Cedar Drive and follow it to the “primitive road 137” sign. Park along the road; do not block private driveways.

INFO: Refer to the Coconino National Forest map. You can order one online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/maps/index.shtml.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Payson [Link]

Attention all Big Foot seekers: This is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast seriously or as the hiking world’s tallest tale, know that many alleged Big Foot sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake.

Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination, the beast allegedly still abides. So you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and – for serious seekers – supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists (those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures). That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places, and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Big Foot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high-country trek, including a scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves.

HIGHLIGHTS: deep, water-filled canyon with plenty of wildlife
LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail)
ELEVATION: 7,560-7,500 feet
RATING: easy
DOG RATING: ***
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one way (2.5 hours)

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR 300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake. The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots for .25 miles to the lake, where it continues along the shore in both directions.

INFO: Black Mesa Ranger District, 928-535-7300, www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml

Tonto National Forest near Payson [PDF Link]

This short but steep route was originally built to drive cattle up to summer pastures on the Mogollon Rim. Redrock Spring provided a handy watering hole for thirsty bovines on their long and arduous trip. Although the cattle population on the Rim has dwindled, the spring runs year round, filling a concrete trough beneath the sprawling arms of a gigantic ponderosa pine. From the spring’s idyllic vantage point, views of the Mazatzal Mountains blush mauve on the horizon.

This reliable water source attracts myriad critters, including fox, deer, raccoons, elk and hawks. To spot these shy forest residents, find a shady spot nearby, stay quiet and keep an eye on the trough.

HIGHLIGHTS: short hike, a mountain spring, abundant critters
LENGTH: 2 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 5,390-6,000 feet
RATING: moderate
DOG RATING: **
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 115 miles one way (2 hours)

GETTING THERE: From the intersection of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 87 to Control Road (milepost 265), turn right (east) and go 2.5 miles to the trailhead on the left. The trailhead is marked only by a small “294” sign. There’s no parking lot – just find a spot in the turnouts along the road.

INFO: Payson Ranger District, 928-474-7900, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/prd/RedRockTrail294.pdf

Tonto National Forest near Payson [PDF Link]

Situated in the cool streamside forests beneath the Mogollon Rim, this hike is the perfect respite from the Valley’s heat. In summer, the woods are thick with wild roses, canyon grape and fields of ferns that attract myriad butterflies and bees. Much of the trail parallels Horton Creek, where shore birds including cranes and egrets can be heard squawking and seen diving for fish. At the 3.5-mile point, go right at the Highline Trail junction to visit Horton Spring, where icy water gushes from a moss-covered escarpment spilling into the creek below.

HIGHLIGHTS: wild roses, butterflies
LENGTH: 8 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 5,360-6,420 feet
RATING: moderate
DOG RATING: ***
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 108 miles one way (1.8 hours)

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go right (east) and continue on 260 for just under 17 miles (near milepost 268), turn left onto Fish Hatchery Road (Forest Road 289) and go 1 mile to the parking area. From the parking area, hike back down the road, cross the bridge and follow the road to Horton Campground and the signed trailhead.

INFO: Payson Ranger District, 602-225-5200,
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/prd/HortonCreekTrail285.pdf