Calloway Trail #33 - Payson, AZ

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Calloway Trail #33


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Calloway Trail #33 starts at the north end of the parking area where it affords a good view into the steep-walled canyon of West Clear Creek. It offers the only maintained route into upper West Clear Creek from the south side. The path starts with a view of the canyon's strata of limestone and sandstone walls as it immediately starts sharply switchbacking down the canyon wall.

The limestone was laid when the area was covered by a shallow sea, and the sandstone was the result of deposition as ocean sediment and eolian (windblown) accumulation. Hikers will notice the cross-bedding apparent in the wind-deposited sandstone.

The vegetation on the north-facing slope of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and Gambel oak shade the trail and stand in contrast to the vegetation on the hotter and drier south-facing slope across the canyon. Once at the bottom of the canyon, it is possible to access areas up and down stream by wading and boulder hopping.

The vegetation near the creek consists of riparian species such as cattails, locust, wild grape, willow, box elder and poison ivy. Learn to identify and avoid this three-leaved plant. The creek provides habitat for suckers, blue gill, and trout.

Even at only a half-mile in length, the elevation change of 600 feet makes this trail a strenuous hike. Accepted uses for this trail include horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.

Facilities: A parking area is available at Calloway Trail #33.

Reservations: Calloway Trail #33 does not require or accept reservations.

Best Time To Visit: Calloway Trail #33 is recommended from April through October.

Fees: No fees are charged to use this trail.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicapped-accessible.

Rules: This is a Wilderness Area; no mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes, are allowed.

Directions: To reach Calloway Trail #33 from Payson: Drive west on Highway 260 to Highway 87 north. Turn left onto Highway 260 and continue for about 2.5 miles. Turn east onto FR 144; drive about 1.4 miles, and turn north onto FR149. Drive about 1 mile, and turn northwest onto FR 142. Continue about 4 miles, and turn north onto FR 142B, ( requires high clearance; 4WD recommended) to the trailhead at road's end. Roads may be impassable in wet weather.

Address

Coconino National Forest

HC 31, Box 300

Happy Jack, Arizona 86024

Phone
General: (928) 477-2255
Fax: (928) 527-8282

Website

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