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Arizona Hiking Trails
Arizona Hiking Trails
Colonel Devin Trail | Tonto National Forest |
Colonel Devin Trail | Tonto National Forest |
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Colonel Devin Trail TR 290 | Washington Park Trailhead | Tonto National Forest | Rimsurfer Arizona Hiking Trails
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Map and Directions
Rimsurfer Trail Rating and Hike Review
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Colonel Devin Trail TR 290
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Washington Park Trailhead
Forest Road (FR) 300
ACCESS POINTS:
South end: at Washington Park TH
North end: at Forest Road (FR) 300
Trail use: Light
Trail difficulty: MOST difficult
Trail length: 2 miles
Estimated hiking time: 3+ hours (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 2280 feet
Colonel Devin Trail TR 290
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Washington Park Trailhead
Forest Road (FR) 300
ACCESS POINTS:
South end: at Washington Park TH
North end: at Forest Road (FR) 300
Trail use: Light
Trail difficulty: MOST difficult
Trail length: 2 miles
Estimated hiking time: 3+ hours (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 2280 feet
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482 photos
More trail info:
USDA Forest Service • Map & Info --
For closures or specific information: RANGER DISTRICT: Payson Ranger Station 1009 East Highway 260 Payson, Arizona 85541 Phone (928) 474-7900
Things to be aware of: Steep trail with loose footing.
Regional area of Colonel Devin Trail: from the Washington Park Trailhead, in the Tonto National Forest, near Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Gila County, Arizona.
My trail rating: 4
My Trail Review:
Fall 2006
I started up the trail about 8:00am. It had rained heavy the day and night before so the creeks and washes were running with water and the trail was very moist but easily traversed. The very first thing I found getting onto the trail were what appeared to be fresh bob cat tracks! Wow - that added some real adventure to this hike right from the get go. I could tell I was the first one on the trail today all the way up. Later on I also saw fresh bear and elk tracks on the trail. I met and "old timer" coming up as I was on the way down with 31 years in the area who said he had earlier heard the bear foraging near the stream turning over rocks and brush. We discussed how black bears do not normally bother humans as they are not naturally meat eaters, but it is still a really good idea and Forest Service policy that you should never feed or encourage a bear to get too friendly with us humans - they are wild animals, powerful and can be very unpredictable and dangerous if sick or alarmed.
The air was moist, heavy and mountain fresh. The temperature was comfortably cool with after storm morning breezes. I am always amazed at the quietness within the Mogollon Rim especially the lack of numerous chirping birds as in other forests that I have experienced. You come to expect that and look forward to the solitude and reflection while on the hike.
The trail has lots of lush green growth and spots of wild flowers and blooming plants along the way. The result of a more normal rain fall this season. We had been in a horrible drought for some time and concerned we were going to loose most of the trees to bark beetles or fire but the forest is coming alive again and appears to be greening up real well.
The trail follows along side of the water pipeline and power line access road on the one side and the creek on the other side most of the way up. You will see sections of the water pipeline exposed as it goes over washes and you will run across numerous little rushing waterfalls and rapids - the creek type - nothing big but enjoyable to view and listen too.
The trail maintains a steady incline with a softer trail mix for about 3/4 of it's length then you reach the top of rim cliff area with steeper inclines, some switchbacks and a more rocky with loose stone trail mix. At this same point is where the Railroad Tunnel spur trail shows up where you can take a short steep hike up into the rim to view this little bit of bizarre history. The views are awesome here and well worth the hike.
I did see a few birds, bees, butterflys and lizards along the way. Towards the top the leaves were turning into their yellow, red and brown fall colors making for a dazzling display when sun light broke through the cloudy sky and lit them up. The colors woven into the textures within the rim walls at the end of the trail (almost to the top) are awesome. You will find a similar exotic coloring on the floor of the wash that runs right along side the rim wall in that area.
All in all a very enjoyable and rewarding hike!
Enjoy the Rim!
Max
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MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Take the very scenic two lane Highway 87 north out of Payson to Control Road FS 64 which will be on your right (east) side of the road shortly after you pass the entrance to the Tonto Natural Bridge. You will take this forest service gravel road approximately 5 to 6 miles and then cross a small bridge, then continue on FR 64 until you come to FR 32. Take FR 32 (left) north about 5 miles to the Washington Park Trailhead parking area.
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Take the very scenic two lane Highway 87 north out of Payson to Control Road FS 64 which will be on your right (east) side of the road shortly after you pass the entrance to the Tonto Natural Bridge. You will take this forest service gravel road approximately 5 to 6 miles and then cross a small bridge, then continue on FR 64 until you come to FR 32. Take FR 32 (left) north about 5 miles to the Washington Park Trailhead parking area.
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This RimSurfer Arizona hiking trail photo gallery review features the Colonel Devin Trail, from the Washington Park Trailhead, in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.