If a forested climb along a running creek in the Mogollon Rim area appeals to you, this is your hike.
This is a great hike to escape the Phoenix heat. To get to the trailhead, backtrack from the parking area along FR 284. The trailhead marker is on the East side of the road. To get to See Canyon trail you will need to rock hop across the creek here to the East side of the creek. The trail winds its way up See Canyon and stays close enough to Christopher Creek to entertain you with it's creek song. About 3/4 of a mile along the trail is a signed junction to See Canyon Spring trail branching to the right. Stay left to stay on the See Canyon trail. This trail provides a good amount of shade due to the abundance of pine and oak trees. When we did this hike in the middle of April, it was after a very wet winter, so the creek was running very well. Several spontaneous springs were noted along the trail that emptied into the main creek. There was a good bit of deadfall blocking the trail in places, sometimes making it difficult to see where the trail is. When in doubt, check about 6 ft high on the trees for reflective markers that show the trail.
As the trail gets closer to the Mogollon rim, the trail can become quite steep. Unfortunately, the forest hides most of the views during the hike up. Eventually, the hike flattens out again as it heads to the rim road (FR300) where it ends.
When we did this hike, we got on top of the rim, but were turned back before the rim road because of snow and mosquitoes. We retreated to lower elevations and a nice lunch spot along the creek.
