Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Willow Springs Day Hike


when? July 19, 2025 Saturday
Trip Report : Saturday, May 20, 2023
where? Mogollon Rim
the hike     This hike is along a normally closed forest service road FR 236 and has minimal elevation change. We will leave the parking lot atop the Mogollon Rim by several high-tension buzzing power lines. FR 236 is maintained by a logging company and closed off to public motorized vehicles. We will head west and then north for about four miles getting close to the edge of Willow Springs and Chevelon Canyon. The last ½ miles will be what appears to be an abandoned logging road past a large watering hole used by hunters during hunting season. The trail is through a part of the ponderosa forest that is somewhat open and gives fair opportunities to see elk, deer, turkey and wild horses. We will eat lunch at the canyon clearing and then head back to the cars.
Pace: Moderate, easy pace. This hike is rocky in sections where hiking boots and sticks are recommended. Layered clothing is also recommended because the trail can be very windy. If you require a fast paced, highly aerobic workout, this is not the hike for you!
Required:
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  At least 3 liters of water
•  Rain poncho
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Lunch or snacks
•  Camera
•  Your smiles  :)
distance 11 miles
time 4-6 hours
EC +-500' elevation change
elevations 7600' at the trailhead
type Loop
starting at
Trailhead beside Forest Road 237
on trail 90%
rating "B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed no
cost Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Woods Canyon Lake
leader    You must email the leader to confirm.
Please provide your cell phone number when you sign up in case we need to contact you on the day of the hike.
meet 7:00 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the north curb away from Target.
drive Take Arizona 87 to Payson and turn right (by the McDonalds) to head east along Arizona 260. About 5 miles past the rims edge, turn left on Forest Road 237 (just past 2 large transmission lines just before mile marker 287. The trail head parking is about 0.25 of a mile north of 260 on the left.
Restrooms may or not be open. Road should be passable by cars.
The closest public restrooms that are sure to be open are at Willow Springs Lake, at mile marker 283 on 260.


Schedule of Events Arizona Trailblazers Home Page

updated May 19, 2025 © Copyright 2025, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.