PEACH ORCHARD TRAIL & PEACH LOOP
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| View of the Mazatzal Mountains |
Payson
So bring on the peaches, already. Given the fruity name of these two south Payson trails, I
was certain we'd be wandering among groves of fragrant blossoming trees. Nope. Although
the eponymous peach trees were nowhere to be found, we did discover other
points-of-interest along the way.
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| Riparian area |
The route was developed as a cooperative project of the USFS
and the City of Payson Area Trails System (PATS). Existing 4x4 roads were lassoed into a cohesive “lollipop
loop” open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikes and motorized recreational
vehicles. Anchored by two trailheads, we decided to begin this trek at the
rodeo grounds, hike 3 miles on Peach Orchard to the Peach Loop and then double
back for a 8.2-mile trip.
From the trailhead, the rocky route begins as an easy climb
to a scenic ridge. Here, first
views of the Mazatzal mountains peek out over thick juniper-scrub woodlands. Next, the trail dips into a yawning green valley passing the
stone foundation of an abandoned
building and a tiny riparian area
(low point of the hike at 4,594')
before entering a sun-drenched basin where it connects with the Peach
Loop trail. At first glance, the
loop--which PATS rates as strenuous---looks innocuous enough. However, it ascends 340 feet (4,765' -
5105') in about 0.2 mile without mitigating switchbacks--so it's tougher than
it appears. This makes for a good excuse to pause and enjoy views of the
Mogollon Rim that grow more spectacular with each foot of elevation gained. We
were glad to hike this section as an uphill, because going down would certainly
tax the knees. After this
short grinding climb, the loop winds among agave-studded hills before
re-connecting with Peach Orchard trail.
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| Mogollon Rim on the horizon |
LENGTH: 8.2 miles (as described here)
Peach Orchard trail: 3 miles one-way
Peach Loop: 2.2 miles
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION: 4,594' – 5,105'
BEST SEASON:
year-round, best spring & fall
DOGS: leashed dogs allowed
KID FRIENDLY?: yes, although the loop might be too tough
FACILITIES: none
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 90 miles one-way
GETTING THERE:
Gila County (a.k.a. Rodeo Grounds) trailhead (described
here):
From Phoenix, go north on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) to Payson. Turn left onto Green Valley Parkway at
the first traffic signal before entering town (across from the Mazatzal casino)
and continue 0.2 mile to the trailhead.
Payson Golf Course trailhead:
Use this option to begin on the Loop:
From Phoenix, go north on AZ87 (Beeline Hwy) to Payson. Turn
left on Main Street which is the 2nd light as you enter town. Follow Main St. 1.7 miles to the
clubhouse, then make an immediate left to the trailhead.
INFO: Payson Parks & Recreation, 928-474-5242 EXT 7
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