Cool Trails to Beat the Heat

One of the most diverse national forests in the country, the 1.856-million acres of Coconino National Forest’s landscape ranges from the famous Red Rocks of Sedona to Ponderosa Pine Forests of Flagstaff, to the alpine tundra of Payson.  It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore mountains and canyons, fish forest lakes and float in lazy creeks and streams.

My choice to experience the Coconino Forest was to spend the day in Payson.  Only a little over 130 miles away from Phoenix, Payson is a quick day trip that offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including amazing hikes along the Mogollon Rim.  Here are a few perfect hiking spots right outside of Payson (map) that offer something for everyone from Fido to junior.

Wildcat Spring Trail
3 miles roundtrip
6,900 – 7,100 feet elevation

Described as “Arizona’s Rain Forest” this trail with it’s overgrown ferns and lavish foliage explores an idyllic high-country ravine.  A short and easy hike that is great for dogs and kids alike it only took over an hour to complete.  The route melds sections of old dirt roads and footpaths partly shaded by tall ponderosa pines, poison ivy, and wild roses that line a tiny creek. The whole area is lush and green, and the air thick and humid.

Attractions along the way include follies-encrusted limestone rock formations and an outrageous palette of wildflowers.  Near the end of the trail is a large concrete tank from which the spring water trickles into the creek. Shaded by tall pines, this creek is very cool – a perfect refuge to get away from it all.

Getting There: From Payson, go north on State Highway 87 for 32 miles to Forest Road 616, which is located past milepost 284 on the left.  Follow FR 616 for 3.3 miles to an unsigned campground downhill on the right.  The hike starts on the west side of FR 616 at a gate across from the campground.

Pivot Rock Canyon
3 miles roundtrip
6,790-6,900 feet elevation

A hike at Pivot Rock Canyon near Payson.

Sharing the same trailhead as Wildcat Springs, this trail is located across the road from the campground at the “Road Closed” sign. This little footpath ventures through a dense forest of ferns and wild roses and other lush plants as it meanders back and forth across a tiny, trickling creek.  The trickiest part of the hike is navigating the stony stairs that lead to the creek.  During the next 1.2 miles you’ll feel as if you’re in the jungle with tangled green vines along the canyon creek wall.  But there is a reprieve when you find yourself in a wide open pasture where log cabin remnants attract visitors.

Beyond the old homestead, the trail transitions into a maze of plant and geological obstacles.  With basic route-finding skills, boulder-hopping and bushwhacking, it’s possible to continue on for another 3.5 miles to the trail end at Forest Road 142.

Getting There: From Payson, go north on State Highway 87 for 32 miles to Forest Road 616, which is located past milepost 284 on the left.  Follow FR 616 for 3.3 miles to an unsigned campground downhill on the right.  The hike starts a the north end of the campground at the blocked road.

East Cabin Loop Circuit
18 mile loop
Trail #91
7,000-7,500 feet elevation

Stream-filled canyons, substantial timberlands, flowing springs and three sites where the ruins of decommissioned Forest Service cabins stand in aspen-framed alpine meadows combine for an especially interesting hike.  This route uses three of the five trails that make up the Forest’s Cabin Loop System of old fire roads and shelters.  Not for amateurs, this hike requires a fair amount of map-reading and route-finding skills.  Mark your hike by focusing on the tree blazes where you can easily spot short and long gashes on the bark of the trees.

Getting There: From Payson, go east on State Highway 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300) just past milepost 282.  Turn left on FR 300 and drive 23 miles to Forest Road 137.  Turn right onto FR 137 and go 4 miles to the sign for Barbershop Trail on the left side of the road across from Buck Springs Cabin.

Whether you’re interested in a backwoods creek or mountain trails, Payson has an amazing mix of high-country hiking trails that are great for cool summer treks.

Photos courtesy of flickr:  barbershop trail, payson