Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Babe Haught Trail Day Hike

when	June 25, 2022
	Trip Report : September 21, 2013
	Trip Report : August 20, 1998
where	Mogollon Rim
the hike	THIS HIKE IS EXPLORATORY.  This trail begins at the Tonto Fish Hatchery. A strenuous 2.3-mile hike up the Mogollon Rim features remarkable views that make the tough jaunt more than worth it.     The trail consists of a series of switchbacks with beautiful outlooks all along as you gain in elevation by more than 1,300 feet. Once at the top of the rim, the trail opens up onto a beautifully inviting meadow. Take the trail to a service road. Once you cross it, you will find yourself in a forest of Ponderosa pines, following a stream that will lead you down to Knoll Lake. You will cross the stream a couple of times, but depending on water levels, these are easy crossings requiring just a little rock hopping.     Once at the lake, you will find several campsites and more terrain for hiking. If serenity is what you’re looking for, we suggest avoiding weekends and holidays.     The Babe Haught Trail is described on page 103 of Day Hikes and Trail Rides in Payson’s Rim Country by Roger and Ethel Freeman. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses •  Hiking Sticks (due to the rocky trail) Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	8-9 miles round trip
time	5-6 hours
EC	+-1817' elevation change
elevations	6160 (Trailhead) to 7600' (highest peak)
type	Out and back
starting at	Horton Creek Trailhead 34.340977° N,  111.095018° W
on trail	100% — Babe Haught Trail #143
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	Payson
meet	5:00 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 northwest curb away from Target.
drive	•  Take the Beeline Highway (Arizona 87) north to Payson. • We’ll make the usual McDonald’s stop in Payson for restroom breaks and any last-minute breakfasts (to go). • From Payson drive about 17 miles east on State Route 260 to Tonto Creek Road (Forest Road 289) near Kohls Ranch. • Turn left (north) on FR 289, toward the Tonto Fish Hatchery (Tonto Creek Recreation). • Turn left onto FR 289 and drive for about a 4 miles to the hachery. This is the end of the road.

Schedule of Events	Arizona Trailblazers Home Page
updated July 23, 2022	© Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.