 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Geronimo Trail | Tonto National Forest |
 |
|
|
|
|
Geronimo Trail TR 240 | Tonto National Forest | Hiking Trails Arizona
|
|
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Geronimo Trail TR 240
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Geronimo TH
ACCESS POINTS:
Geronimo Trailhead (after a short distance on the Highline Trail to Geronimo Trail intersect)
Trail use: moderate
Trail difficulty: easy
Trail length: 5+ miles roundtrip
Estimated hiking time: 3 hours
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 100'
Geronimo Trail TR 240
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Geronimo TH
ACCESS POINTS:
Geronimo Trailhead (after a short distance on the Highline Trail to Geronimo Trail intersect)
Trail use: moderate
Trail difficulty: easy
Trail length: 5+ miles roundtrip
Estimated hiking time: 3 hours
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: 100'
|
|
249 photos
More trail info:
For closures or specific information:
RANGER DISTRICT: Payson Ranger Station Phone (928) 474-7900
Things to be aware of:
Regional area of Geronimo Trail: in the Tonto National Forest, near Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Gila County, Arizona.
My trail rating: 1.5
My Trail Review:
Fall 2006
I had one of those rare and special nature moments as soon as I pulled my truck off into the trailhead parking area pull-off. I was getting Silver leashed and puting on my gear when a small baby doe popped out of the forest to my immediate left not more than 15 feet away from me and stopped and just stared. Her mom then lept from the brush and passed her and me then stopped and turned to try and get her to follow her but the doe had a real curiosity about me and stayed behind as mom darted back into the forest. I quickly pulled my camera up and got a few shots of the doe then I heard the mom let out a couple soft "mama" deer crys which the doe immediately responded too, moving on down the road and then quickly leeping into the brush. You will find a couple photos of her in the gallery!
That was the start of the hike and got in me in the mood for a nature adventure. However, I found this trail head and trail system a little difficult to understand and follow but eventually worked it out after a couple stabs at getting going in the right direction. The main area of confusion is that it is very remote, signage and trail markings are limited, and there are some very active Camps in the area with a fair amount of bushwacking, atv and other travel from them that criss cross through the Geronimo Trail and will keep you on your toes to decide which way the trail really continues.
To get to Geronimo Trail I crossed the road from the Trailhead pulloff and found a trail sign, then crossed West Webber Creek, and then went about a quarter mile on a section of the Highline Trail to the intersect with Geronimo Trail. The area is Pine Forest and very scenic with some great vista views. The Rim is above you and to the North and Northeast. The trail is a mixture of jeep, forest service access roads and connecting paths.
It is an interesting Arizona trail and worth the trip back in to find it. The area is well worth coming back or making a longer day trip out of it by connecting up and hiking one of the other trails in the Geronimo Trailhead system. However, be aware that they are all out and back type hikes where you also will need to travel a ways on one trail to get to the interconnect of the other. There was not any way I could see to put them together into a loop to end up back at the trailhead parking area so your total miles will be high for the day placing that type day hike in the "difficult" category. If you decide to do that be sure you are capable of completing those extra miles, bring plenty of water, proper clothing for the weather you are in, start early and be sure you get back before dark.
Enjoy the Rim!
Max and Silver
---------------
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Take the very scenic two lane Highway 87 north out of Payson to the 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. Take this gravel road approximately 5 to 6 miles, across a small bridge and then make a sharp left at FS 440. Take FS440 about 2 miles to the Geronimo Trailhead where you will find a small pulloff area to park one or two vehicles on your right .
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Take the very scenic two lane Highway 87 north out of Payson to the 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. Take this gravel road approximately 5 to 6 miles, across a small bridge and then make a sharp left at FS 440. Take FS440 about 2 miles to the Geronimo Trailhead where you will find a small pulloff area to park one or two vehicles on your right .
This Hiking Trails Arizona photo gallery review features the Geronimo Trail in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.
|
|
