Trailblazers in the Steward Pocket. [photo by Tamar]

Eleven Trailblazers met at the Cypress Trailhead in Payson and took some of the last available parking spots in the culdesac. We were on the trail by 7:45 am - trying to beat the heat. The first part of this clockwise hike required some route finding due to numerous social trails, but we made good time-admiring the forest landscape that evolved into high desert with numerous balanced rocks.

Checking out the incomplete map. [photo by Robyn]

Some good size rock here. [photo by Ron]

Just one more push. [photo by Ron]

After 3 miles, we transitioned to the Stewart Pocket trail and were helped by nice permanent metal signs counting the trail mileage. By late morning, the sun was beating down on us and the rocky landscape so that 80 degrees felt more like 100. We took a short break in some shade and welcomed Cindy's water bottle sprayer to cool off.

Walking by a small rock. [photo by Peggy ]

Hiking up the hill. [photo by Cindy]

Looking over Steward Pocket. [photo by Cindy]

Back on the trail, we found the navigation to be easier and we made it back to the cars well before noon. Some of us stopped at Mackey's in Payson for a nice lunch. It was a nice day of cooler than Phoenix climate, pretty scenery with both Pine trees and gigantic balanced rocks and great fellowship on the Payson Trail System. We still have a few trails to try within this system- Thank you Payson for setting these trails up!

Balanced rock. [photo by Cindy]

Trees growing around a large rock. [photo by Robyn]

Any one for bowling. [photo by Robyn]

Great views. [photo by Ron]

Time to walk the plank. [photo by Cindy]