CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP
Payson
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| Water on the Cypress Trail: March 2, 2013 |
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| Snow on North Boulders Loop: March 2, 2013 |
The seasons of spring and fall share a common, landscape
transforming magic. While autumn
is famous for painting the Arizona high country in warm fiery hues, spring
brings on a rush of “pop up” snow melt rivers to our deserts. March and April are the best months to
view the transient water works in the Payson area. There’s still enough snow on the peaks and hiding out in
shady canyons to keep ravines and gullies flowing, but it won’t last long.
Located close to town in a surprisingly untamed terrain of weathered granite
dells and abrupt mini-canyons, the Cypress-Boulders Loop, is an ideal place to
experience snowmelt runoff. The
trail is shared-use and open to hikers, equestrians, bikes and ATVs, and thus
sees lots of action especially during this prime time. When we hiked here this week, water was
everywhere and we found ourselves hopping rivulets and ogling at water chutes
cascading over bare rock every few minutes. Forests of pines, junipers and of course cypress trees mixed
in with open, boulder-studded fields form a patchwork of shade and sun along
the route. Although this hike
would be pretty anytime of year, cool temperatures and rare water make it
exceptional in spring.
HIKE DIRECTIONS:
From the trailhead, follow Cypress Trail 2.5 miles to the
junction for Boulders Trail. Take
either the north or south leg and hike the 2.7-mile loop back to this junction,
then retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
LENGTH: 7.3
miles round trip
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION:
4485’- 4932’
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 (Beeline Hwy) to
Payson. At the intersection of SR87
and SR260, go right and follow 260 less than a mile to Granite Dells Road on
the right just past the Safeway.
Go 1.9 miles on Granite Dells to a small easy-to-miss sign for Cypress
Trail. There’s no official parking
area, just find a spot along the road being mindful of the private driveways in
the area.
ALTERNATE ACCESS TO THE LOOP:
Go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into
FR435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left just
before a roadblock. From here, hike
down to the roadblock on FR435 and hike 0.5 mile (crossing 3 concrete bridges)
to the Boulder Loop trailhead—look for a sign on the cliff wall on the
left. The trail begins on the dirt
road heading downhill to the right. NOTE: From the first P.A.T.S. sign above
the gorge, the trail continues directly across the gorge. You can see the signs high on the
opposite embankment.
INFO:
Payson Area Trails System (PATS)
MORE PHOTOS:
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