2016, 5-6_edited
DSCN1370_edited
IMG_3318_edited
IMGP6174_edited
20180407_150644[1]
arizonaelk_edited
Homestead_header_edited
DSCN5662
20180407_161956(0)[1]
2016, 5-6_edited
DSCN1370_edited
IMG_3318_edited
IMGP6174_edited
20180407_150644[1]
arizonaelk_edited
Homestead_header_edited
DSCN5662
20180407_161956(0)[1]
2016, 5-6_edited
DSCN1370_edited
IMG_3318_edited
IMGP6174_edited
20180407_150644[1]
arizonaelk_edited
Homestead_header_edited
DSCN5662
20180407_161956(0)[1]
Kohls Ranch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
Blog
Forum
Home
Live
Work
Adventure
History
Eat & Stay
Calendar & Events
Shop
Media
Contact
  1. Gila County Forum
  2. Hiking Forum
  3. Boulders Loop Trail In Payson Is Awesome!
Search
discovergilacounty
Oct 11, 2018

Boulders Loop Trail In Payson Is Awesome!


Boulders Loop - Photo Credit D. Morse

Sometimes a trail’s name and its reputation dovetail like a fine hewn joint.

The Boulders Loop Trail in Payson is such an excellent example of this that it has earned a local moniker: Boulderpalooza. And that’s not the only home-grown terminology inspired by this twisted little trail that whirls through creek-scoured backcountry a few miles southeast of town.


Resident trail maven, photographer and hike-stick-maker Randy Cockrell, who leads treks for the Payson Packers hike group, shared some insights into the informal names locals have bestowed upon landmarks along the route. But first, let us discuss why this entertaining Payson Area Trails System route might also be dubbed Boulder Confusion. Finding the trailhead is the first of several challenges.


To get to the loop from the Monument Peak trailhead, hike 0.5 mile down Forest Road 435 to where the gorge of Stewart Creek appears on the right. An unmarked trail on the right had been the access point, but was washed out during the heavy rains of 2016-17.


Instead, continue another 0.25 mile and locate the wide, sandy ATV access point. Hike down into the gorge, veer right and look for the tiny PATS trail sign up on the opposite bank. Scramble up the embankment to reach the loop.


Go right to hike the north loop first. This way, you’ll get all the tough climbing out of the way. This easy-to-follow section makes its ascent through a shady cypress-oak woodland. Use your huffing and puffing as good excuses to stop and view the shark-fin rock formation and stunning landscape emerging behind you.


The trail then dives back down to meet Stewart Creek again for the first of several effortless crossings. At the 1-mile point on the loop, the trail intersects the “sign vortex.” This apt alias describes a clearing cluttered with Forest Service and PATS signs of wood, composite and plastic tree emblems.


Ignore the magical forces attempting to get you lost. Go left. Now that you're on the south leg of the loop, the terrain changes from forest to an exposed pocket of granite heaps that have been weather-sculpted into fanciful forms that resemble a certain cartoon mouse, dragons and bowling balls. Full Article at: https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/hiking/2017/04/18/boulders-hike-payson-arizona/100627284/

0

Live 

Communities

County Gov.

Chambers

Education

Real Estate

News

Weather

​

​

Work

Area Job Board

Area Demographics

Business Directory
Industry

IDA

​

​

​

Adventure

Outdoor Adventure

Area Amenities

Featured Attractions

Adventure Itineraries

Adventure Forum

Adventure Blog

Stay Alive Guide

​

​

History

Gila County History

Museums

Famous Cowboys

Mining History

Ranching History

Pioneer History
Native American History

​

Where To Stay

Places to Eat

Camping Spots

Airbnb
VRBO

TripAdvisor

Wineries & Breweries

​

​

Eat & Stay

Cal. & Events

Community Cal.

Special Events

Rodeo Events

Casino Events

Adventure Itineraries

Farmers Markets

Parades

Media

Social Media

Photo Galleries

Video Galleries
News

Adventure Forum

Adventure Blog

​

 

​

logo_approved_clear_colorfooter.png

© 2020-21 - Site operated by the Discover Gila County, Inc.

Site Built by Razor Thin Media, LLC 

Home
Contact
Site Map
Staying Alive Guide
FAQ
  • White Facebook Icon
  • White YouTube Icon