Payson on July 31st...

I will be that way in the later morning early afternoon and would like to maybe go on a few of the trails out there. Looked in my book and there are some quick easy trails that might be pretty great for woodsy sightseeing.

 

I may be down for this...let me talk to the wife and get back to you Oli.

 

yea! a fellow prerunner. i would like to go too. i'll consult the fun police for permission

 

sounds good guys!

so far the only trails in Payson area I found or know about are: control road (1.25 hours, 22.1 miles), east verde river trail (2 hours sounds not open diff friendly, 13.5 miles), mazatzal wilderness trail (45 min, 10.7 miles).

 

If I wasn't working I'd be down for sure... :sigh:

Who knows, maybe I can get it off

 

Pa ftw! Floating holiday?

 

My rolling PA is burned up lol... I'm using the first three of my floating this week... problem is I'm a '68 seed so... getting time off isn't so easy lol.

 

earnings will be posted later, time for some time off without pay. your bonus should handle the rest

 

How about Rim Rd. just north of Payson through to the Woods Canyon lake area? It's about 30 miles of Prerunner friendly trail that goes through some great scenery. Plan 2-3 hours on the trail and then 1/2 hour down the front of the Rim back to Payson. Might be better for a full day run to stop and enjoy some of the good spots.

 

Isn't rim rd the control road trail? It goes from strawberry area to the lakes?

 

2 different roads. Both head out about the same area but come out in slightly different areas. I don't think Control Rd actually goes up on the rim but stays lower.

 

I'll be in payson the 19th-21st so I'm definitely going to check one of these trails out and ill let you all know how they go

 

Control Road
Control Road follows a loop along the base of the Mogollon (pronounced “muggy-own”) Rim. Most of the trail runs through tall ponderosa pines, which provide shade over a number of campsites. Many small trails crisscross the main trail, giving access to the base of the Mogollon Rim and into the pine forest on the south of the trail. Other side trails lead to hiking trails. Special Attractions: The East Verde River and views of the river valley; Remains of the Crackerjack Mine; Varied vegetation and scenery; Views of the Mazatzal Mountains. This trail is graded dirt but suitable for a normal passenger vehicle. It usually has gentle grades, is fairly wide, and has very shallow water crossings (if any).

East Verde River Trail
This extremely scenic, moderately rated trail can be driven as a loop by combining it with Mazatzal Wilderness Trail. The trail is fairly challenging, having several narrow sections as well as some loose surfaces on some of the climbs. However, the surface is generally good and the trail should be within the reach of all SUVs. Special Attractions: Hiking access to the Mazatzal Wilderness; Views of the Mazatzal Mountains; Backcountry camping near the East Verde River; Can be driven as a loop from Payson with the more difficult East Verde River Trail. High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, though most stock SUVs are acceptable. Expect a rough road surface with rocks larger than 6 inches, but there will be a reasonable driving line available. Patches of mud are possible but can be readily negotiated; sand may be deep and require lower tire pressures. There may be stream crossings up to 12 inches deep, substantial sections of single-lane shelf road, moderate grades, and sections of moderately loose road surface.

Mazatzal Wilderness Trail
The main purpose of this trail is to provide access to the hiking trailhead for the Mazatzal Wilderness. However, it also gives access to a few other backcountry trails, including East Verde River Trail. The road leaves from the center of Payson. Once it leaves the edge of town, it quickly deteriorates to a roughly graded road. It winds along through open shrubland, giving excellent views of the Mazatzal Mountains, in particular North Peak (7,449 feet). Special Attractions: Long, easy shelf road; Spectacular views of the Mazatzal Mountains; Mount Ord Lookout Tower. High-clearance vehicles are preferred, but not necessary. This trail is dirt roads, but may have rocks, grades, water crossings, or ruts that make clearance a concern in a normal passenger vehicle. The trail is fairly wide, so that passing is possible at almost any point along the trail. Mud is not a concern under normal weather conditions.

 

I'm Interested. I'd like to check strawberry out

 

Out of Town. Going to be at the snore race in Cali. Have fun guy

David Strawberry is a nice area VERY VERY small but nice. To get to Fossil Springs drive down fossil springs RD and follow it all the way down. Cars should be parked every where at the bottom.

 

Thanks Alex, I've seen pics and fossil springs looks cool too. I got time to plan this out and see if i could make it out there

 

Yep, Control road is below the rim just before you get to Kohl's Ranch as you head up 260. It'll take you to Tonto Village which is supposed to have a pretty good little restaurant/bar. The road is a nice drive but it's pretty much car friendly. I haven't taken the rim road so I can't speak to that.

 

Are we supposed to feel bad for you being at the snore race or something hahah

 

Forgot about the SNORE series. Checked them out and they are really expensive too. $570 entry fee and $300 for 1450 classes. Ouch. ASCC needs to start soon. I need my offroad racing fix.