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Arizona Hiking Trails
Arizona Hiking Trails
Derrick Trail | Tonto National Forest |
Derrick Trail | Tonto National Forest |
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Derrick Trail TR 33 | Upper Tonto Creek Campground Trailhead | Tonto National Forest
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Map and Directions
Rimsurfer Trail Rating and Hike Review
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Derrick Trail TR 33
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
ACCESS POINTS:
South end: at Upper Tonto Creek Campground
North end: at Highline Trail TR 31
Trail use: Heavy
Trail difficulty: More difficult
Trail length: 2.5 miles
Estimated hiking time: 2 hours (one way)
Season of use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 1160 feet
Derrick Trail TR 33
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
ACCESS POINTS:
South end: at Upper Tonto Creek Campground
North end: at Highline Trail TR 31
Trail use: Heavy
Trail difficulty: More difficult
Trail length: 2.5 miles
Estimated hiking time: 2 hours (one way)
Season of use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 1160 feet
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565 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: Use caution in the summer heat. Heavy horse travel in the summer. Yield the right of way to trail stock.
Regional area of Derrick Trail : in the Tonto National Forest, near Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Gila County, Arizona.
My trail rating: 3
My Trail Review:
Fall 2006
You will start out on this trail from the back of the campground. You can use it as part of a loop up to TR 31 then west to TR 285 and back to where you began at the campground trail entrances. To do it this way would make for a really long and difficult day hike so be in great shape, bring plenty of water (large sections of this trail are not shaded and can be very hot in the sunny weather), and dress layered for the different altitudes and weather conditions this trail system and the Rim Country may send your way.
Having already hiked TR 285 with a group I choose to just go up and back on the trail today. I found my way past the trail entry sign with trail maps, and headed northeast from the creek bed up a ravine trail to where I picked up the Derrick Trail TR 33. It was a steady panoramic climb up to the intersection with TR 31. I saw lots of high desert fauna and a few small critters too along the way and some awesome vistas that my camera just really does not do justice too yet the photo gallery will dial you into what you will see and the trail mix along the way.
This trail appeared to be used a lot by horses. Is well rutted in places and sports sizable boulder type stones in the mix that you will step around and on to keep moving up to the top. This trail starts out in Ponderosa Pines then goes through a high desert area with mainly scrub brush and smaller pinion pines with little shade.
Today was beautiful early fall Arizona warm autumn day with blue skys, fresh air and occasional scenic clouds passing through the vista views. Overall an enjoyable trail experience and hike.
Enjoy the Rim!
Max and Silver
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MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Go east out of Payson, Arizona on Highway 260 which is an excellent scenic Rim Country highway. When you see Khol's Ranch come up on your right, slow down and watch to your left (north) side of the highway for the well marked Tonto Creek Campground turnoff. Turn left on Tonto Creek Road, a blacktop road, and drive up into the campground area. You will come to a bend to the left and cross over a small bridge, parking is on the left. You will find plenty of parking and toilets. Walk back across the bridge and follow well marked signs to trail entrance.
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Go east out of Payson, Arizona on Highway 260 which is an excellent scenic Rim Country highway. When you see Khol's Ranch come up on your right, slow down and watch to your left (north) side of the highway for the well marked Tonto Creek Campground turnoff. Turn left on Tonto Creek Road, a blacktop road, and drive up into the campground area. You will come to a bend to the left and cross over a small bridge, parking is on the left. You will find plenty of parking and toilets. Walk back across the bridge and follow well marked signs to trail entrance.
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This RimSurfer Arizona hiking trail photo gallery review features the Derrick Trail from the Upper Tonto Creek Campground Trailhead, in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.