Horse Crossing Trail #20

Horse Crossing Trail #20


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Horse Crossing Trail #20 crosses East Clear Creek, a perennial stream that flows through a picturesque canyon and eventually ends up in the Little Colorado River. The trail drops into the creek on a gradual slope through an open forest of ponderosa pine and Gambel oak.

East Clear Creek is small, but great for wading and splashing around. A few of the deeper pools are big enough for swimming and fishing. All of them make great reflecting pools for the rock bluffs that form the canyon walls, so bring a camera.

Just above the creek are the remains of an old cabin set on a rocky bench. It's hard not to imagine how enjoyable it must have been to live in such a beautiful place, with peace and quiet as big as the landscape. There are a number of backpacking campsites in the trees near the crossing for those who want to stay a while.

A cairn, located just upstream from the western trail segment, signals where the trail leaves the creek bed and heads up the eastern wall of the canyon. The east trail makes a difficult climb out of the canyon due to steepness and loose rock.

With an elevation change of about 560 feet, and a length of 6.7 miles, this is considered moderately difficult trail. Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers are permitted to use this trail.

Facilities: Horse Crossing Trail #20 offers a parking area and trailside water.

Reservations: Horse Crossing Trail #20 does not require or accept reservations.

Best Time To Visit: Horse Crossing Trail #20 is recommended from April through October.

Fees: No fees are charged to use this trail.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicapped-accessible.

Rules: Pets are allowed on-leash. Trailside water must be purified.

Directions: To reach Horse Crossing Trail #20 from Payson: Take Highway 260 to Highway 87 and head north. Pass Clints Well, and turn south onto FR 95. Continue about 4 miles, and turn east onto FR 513B. Drive about 2 miles to the trailhead. FR 513B 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

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