| Facilities: Deadman Trail provides a horse corral at a trailhead. Gas, food, and lodging can be found in Payson and Scottsdale. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Deadman Trail. Best Time To Visit: Deadman Trail is open spring through fall, depending on the weather. Fees: No fee is charged. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Neither motorized or mechanized transport are permitted on this trail. The maximum group size is 15; the maximum amount of saddle or pack animals of any kind is 15 per group. Directions: To reach Deadman Trail from Scottsdale, travel north on Scottsdale Road to Cave Creek Road. Go east and north on the Cave Creek Road for 35 miles to a T-junction with Forest Road 269. Turn right for and travel 12 miles to the trailhead. High clearance vehicles are recommended for this road; however there are times (after rains, etc.) when even a 4x4 has trouble. Travel east on Willow Trail to its intersection with Deadman Trail. To reach Deadman Trail from Payson travel southwest on State Highway 87 to the Slate Creek Divide. Turn right on Forest Road 25. Drive down this road 2 miles, and then wing up the West Fork for 1/2 mile (horse trailers and sedans are not recommended beyond this point). Turn left at a road junction, cross the creek and drive up this road (still Forest Road 25) 11/2 mile to the corral at the end of this road. Take Saddle Mountain Trail north to Sheep Creek Trail, on which travel north to Davenport Trail. Go east on Davenport Trail to its intersection with Deadman Trail. | |