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
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