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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a short day hike through a shady forest to the top of the Mogollon Rim appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Payson, AZ. To the Trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take HWY-87 to the junction of HWY-260. Turn right on HWY-260 and go about 26.5 miles to the signed trailhead for the 260 Trailhead. There is a restroom here and plenty of parking, but no water. Alternate Trailhead: Continue on HWY-260 until you see the turn off for FR300 (Signed as Rim Lakes or Woods Canyon Lake). Go about 1.9 miles to the Military Sinkhole Scenic Vista and park. The signed trailhead is just to the west of the parking lot. Be Aware of: weather 30 yr old Recommendation: Excellent solitude for such an easily accessed hike. Seeing the bears was an unbelievable experience. The only downside to this hike is that there are points of it that are close enough to the highways to hear cars. This is a Moderately difficult day hike. Elevation change: about 850 ft gain. Distance: 5.0 miles for the out and back. Time: It took us 2.0 hours with a 15 minute break for a snack Time of year: Summer is best, but spring and fall are good too. Solitude: Excellent, especially considering the easy access to both trailheads. We only saw two other people on the trail. From the parking area, take an immediate right to an unsigned but well worn trail. When we were here, the trail sign looked to have been destroyed. Don't make the mistake of taking the well signed Highline trail #31. The first part of this hike bends East as it follows along the bottom contour of the rim, slowly gaining altitude. This section is well shaded, very lush, and the well worn trail is not too difficult to follow. One of the prime highlights of this trail is the solitude. It is quite calming to walk silently and enjoy the hopping horny toads, lizards, and birds as you walk through here. During our hike we were uniquely rewarded for our silence. About 15 minutes into the hike, we startled two black bears. One was a medium size brown colored mother with her small black colored cub. This was the first time in 30 years of Arizona hiking I had ever seen a bear and it was a truly exhilarating experience. Unfortunately, they were too quick for me to snap a picture so you'll just have to take my word for it! As the trail continues it's gradual climb through Oak and Pine trees, it soon turns into a wider road and the forest thins out. This change is desirable, as now periodic views of the forest below the Mogollon Rim open up to delight and inspire. The final mile of this hike climbs more steeply and eventually tops out at the Military Sinkhole Scenic Vista. The vista is a nice place to pick a rock and have a snack while enjoying the mesmerizing views of the forest below. In case you're wondering where the sinkhole is... you'll have to keep walking across FR300 to find it. It's another 1/4 of a mile from the rim. The trail is named for the upper portion of it, which was constructed by the troops commanded by General Crook. General Crook was fighting native Americans at the time and they used the sinkhole as a watering stop. When you've had enough, head back the way you came. Keep an eye out for bears!
[view from the trail]
This hike was taken in late August 2006
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