One of the most popular hikes below the Mogollon Rim, See Canyon Trail #184 begins as an easy stroll but soon degrades into an insanely fun quagmire of logjams and sheer inclines on its 1,700-foot uphill haul. Because of the claustrophobically narrow, deeply–wooded route, hikers like to bandy about the adage--“all you see is the canyon” when describing this trail. However, to regard this as a deficit is to miss the point. Although majestic vistas are notably lacking on this trip, running water, wildlife and a wide variety of vegetation zones within the canyon make for a stunning visual journey.
Part of the adventure involves finding the trail. Here’s how--from the parking lot, descend down through the wooden fence located to the right of the parking lot trailhead sign. Bear left and head down toward the creek. Rock hop over the water, head up the bank and then veer right along a faint path to the signed intersection for the Highline and See Canyon Trails. Turn left at the junction and hike north on #184. The first mile of the trail crosses Christopher Creek several times before it leaves the streamside environment and enters the aforementioned frey on its way to the lip of the Mogollon Rim.
LENGTH: 7.5 miles round trip
ELEVATION: 6,160’ – 7,860’
RATING: Moderate - difficult
DOG RATING: excellent 1st mile, challenging after that
KID FRIENDLY: yes--1st mile only
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 110 miles one-way
GETTING THERE:
From the intersection of SR87/260 in Payson, go 20 miles east (right) on 260 to the Christopher Creek Loop exit. Continue on Christopher Creek Loop to FR 284, which is located directly across the road from the Tall Pines Market. Follow FR 284 for 1.6 miles (ignore the many dirt spur roads; stay on the gravel) to the signed circular parking area. NOTE: Road construction and lane restrictions on SR 260 will be slowing down traffic thru December 2011.
FACILITIES: restroom
INFO:
BONUS SIDE TRIP: SEE SPRING TRAIL #185
This short jaunt, which branches off trail #184 at the 0.65-mile point, stays close to the water and away from the difficult terrain.
LENGTH: 2.6 miles roundtrip
ELEVATION: 6,160’ – 6,640’
RATING: easy
DOG RATING: 3 paws
KID FRIENDLY: yes
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