| Facilities: Sheep Creek Trail provides corrals at its trailhead. Gas, food, and lodging can be found in Payson and Scottsdale. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Sheep Creek Trail. Best Time To Visit: Sheep Creek 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 Sheep Creek Trail from Scottsdale, travel north on Scottsdale Road to the Cave Creek Road. Go east and north on Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) for 10 miles. Turn right on the Bartlett Road for 6 miles; turn left and continue on Forest Road 205 for 7.7 miles to a corral where Forest Road 161 turns right. From this point, it is possible when the river is low to cross the Verde River to get to Forest Road 479 (Crossing the river is done at your own risk!). Salt River Project has blocked the access by prohibiting vehicles from crossing Horseshoe Dam. Continue northeast on Forest Road 479 for 3/4 mile to Forest Road 474. Turn right on Forest Road 474 for 1/2 mile to parking area. Take Davenport Trail northeast to its intersection with Sheep Creek Trail. To reach Sheep Creek Trail from Payson, travel south on State Highway 87 (the Beeline Highway) 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 its intersection with Sheep Creek Trail. | |
