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Drew Trail | Tonto National Forest |
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Drew Trail TR 291 | Coconino FR9350 Trailhead | Tonto National Forest
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TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Drew Trail TR 291
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Mogollon Rim Coconino Side at (FR) 9350 (TH)
ACCESS POINTS:
SW end: at Highline Trail TR 31
Mogollon Rim Coconino Side at (FR) 9350 (TH)
Trail use: Moderate
Trail difficulty: MOST difficult
Trail length: 1.1 miles
Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hour (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 820 feet
Drew Trail TR 291
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Mogollon Rim Coconino Side at (FR) 9350 (TH)
ACCESS POINTS:
SW end: at Highline Trail TR 31
Mogollon Rim Coconino Side at (FR) 9350 (TH)
Trail use: Moderate
Trail difficulty: MOST difficult
Trail length: 1.1 miles
Estimated hiking time: 1.5 hour (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 820 feet
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216 photos
More trail info:
For closures or specific information:
RANGER DISTRICT: Payson Ranger Station Phone (928) 474-7900
Things to be aware of: The trail is narrow in places with loose trail mix so travel with caution.
Regional area of Drew Trail : in the Tonto National Forest, near Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Gila County, Arizona.
My trail rating: 4
My Trail Review:
Fall 2006
Started out real early on the trail and it was cool to cold at first with some ice puddles in parking area and a frosty touch to the air. As I came down the side of the Rim out into the sun I had to pull off some outer gear as it got hot! You may want to come prepared to hike this trail in layered clothing to be safe and feel more comfortable in most any kind of weather the Rim is offering up for that day.
I decided to drive up to the top side where the Trailhead entrance is really in the Coconino National Forest as at the top of the Rim the boundaries to the two national forests meet. The only other way to get to the trail is to include it into a loop with the Highline Trail TR31 but that could add considerable miles, time and difficulty into the hike and I would not recommend it for a day hike.
This trail is awesome. It's an old pioneer trail they used to get out of the valley and head north. It moves through tall pines with lots of shade and beautiful vista views at the top, then winds down over a narrow path of rough trail mix and loose stone with some small boulders, so be sure to watch your footing in the descent. I had a special treat today as the moon was still out even though it was day light and it shone bright and large enough to even snap some photos of it. You will find them in the click through photo gallery for this trail.
As I worked my way down the side of the rim on Drew Trail it became more and more high desert scenery and fauna with the typical little critters that come out to see what is passing through their world today. This trail is not heavily used so humans are still interesting to them! At the bottom it flattens out and you walk through a scrub brush area to a fence line where you intersect with Highline Trail TR31. I ate lunch in that area then turned and headed back up Drew Trail to the top of the Rim.
This is a more difficult trail to hike. You will feel it in your legs and lungs but if you are in good health and up to the level of hike - don't miss it - it is one of the better classic Rim Country area hikes.
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. You will pass by Christopher Creek turnoffs and go up to the top of the Rim. Just as you crest the top, slow down and watch on your left for the Coconino Forest Road 300 turnoff. Turn (left) west on Forest Road 300 and travel about 5 miles to Forest Road 9350 then turn (right) south for about a mile. You will see Trailhead signs where to park.
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Go east out of Payson, Arizona on Highway 260 which is an excellent scenic Rim Country highway. You will pass by Christopher Creek turnoffs and go up to the top of the Rim. Just as you crest the top, slow down and watch on your left for the Coconino Forest Road 300 turnoff. Turn (left) west on Forest Road 300 and travel about 5 miles to Forest Road 9350 then turn (right) south for about a mile. You will see Trailhead signs where to park.
This Hiking Trails Arizona photo gallery review features the Drew Trail in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.
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