Payson, Arizona Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
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Payson, Arizona Mountain Bike Trail Reviews
Payson is located about a 90-minute drive from Phoenix just below the beautiful Mogollon Rim. The elevation of 5,000 feet allows for mild seasons. The average yearly high is 72.5 degrees and the low is 38.6. The day temperature can get up to around 90 in mid summer and about 55 in mid winter. There is some snowfall in the winter and monsoon rains in the summer.
Trail 260
27 miles east of Payson is trailhead 260. This is a great ride with awesome views. The ride starts out below the Mogollon Rim and climbs to the top of it. The climb is pretty tough and rough, but well worth the views and descent. I don't recommend this ride to beginners, because of the climb and the possibility of getting lost. The trail isn't marked very well in sections up on the Mogollon Rim on General Crook Trail. The descent is pretty hineous for any skilled rider. Also, missed turns are possible on the way down. We once missed a turn and ended up in Christopher Creek, which was a pretty long ride back up the highway to the trailhead. At least we found our way back.
Directions:
Take HWY 87 from Phoenix to Payson. Turn right onto HWY 260 and head east for 27 miles. The trailhead will be on you left. Start ride and head east on Hiline Trail about 2.5 miles. Once at top of rim take the wheelchair singletrack that runs along side the road. The views are spectacular from here. As the wheelchair trail ends in about 1.7 miles, jump on the General Crook trail and continue 2 miles to a jeep road marked #9350. Then about .6 miles turn left onto the Drew Trail at marked sign #291. Go between the posts. Down 1 mile and turn left back onto Hiline Trail and it is 4 miles back to the trailhead.
Rating:
Skill: Intermediate
Effort: Moderate
Type: Loop
Season: Summer
Mileage: 12
Rating: 4 of 5
