BOULDERS LOOP

BOULDERS LOOP

Payson

Stewart Creek trickles along Boulders Loop

Sometimes, a trail’s name and its reputation dovetail like a fine hewn joint. The Boulders Loop Trail in Payson is such an excellent example of this that it has earned a local moniker: “Boulderpalooza”.  And that’s not the only home-grown terminology inspired by this twisted little trail that whirls through creek-scoured back country a few miles southeast of town.

Resident trail maven, photographer and hike-stick-maker Randy Cockrell, who leads treks for the Payson Packers hike group, shared some insight into the informal names locals have bestowed upon landmarks along the route.

Hikers navigate "Boulderpalooza".

But first, let us discuss why this entertaining Payson Area Trails System (P.A.T.S.) route might also be dubbed, “Boulder Confusion”. Finding the trailhead is the first of several challenges. To get to the loop from the Monument Peak trailhead, hike 0.5 mile down FR 435 to where the gorge of Stewart Creek appears on the right. An unmarked trail on the right had been the access point, but was washed out during the heavy rains of 2016-17. Instead, continue another 0.25 mile and locate the wide, sandy ATV access point. Hike down into the gorge, veer right and look for the tiny P.A.T.S. trail sign up on the opposite bank. Scramble up the embankment to reach the loop.

The loop's north leg has great views.

Go right to hike the north loop first. This way, you’ll get all the tough climbing out of the way. This easy-to-follow section makes its ascent through a shady cypress-oak woodland. Use your huffing and puffing as good excuses to stop and view the “shark fin” rock formation and a stunning landscape emerging behind you. The trail then dives back down to meet Stewart Creek again for the first of several effortless crossings. At the one-mile point on the loop, the trail intersects “sign vortex”. This apt alias describes a clearing cluttered with both forest service and PATS signs of wood, Carsonite composite and plastic tree emblems. Ignore the magical forces attempting to get you lost. Go left. Now on the south leg of the loop, the terrain changes from forest to an exposed pocket of granite heaps weather-sculpted into fanciful forms that resemble a certain cartoon mouse, dragons and bowling balls. There’s also the “world-famous Butt Crack Rock”. (Okay---that last name was on me.) The rocky corridor can be difficult to navigate. This past winter was not kind to the usually impeccable signage, plus, tight curves, slippery descents and tangent social trails might cause some head-scratching.

Randy Cockrell of Payson ponders the mystery circles.

Hang in there, though. Once through the maze, you’ll spot signs to get you back on the main course. 

Near the end of the loop, a massive slab of peachy granite bears mysterious circular impressions.

Certainly, there’s a scientific explanation for the curious pock marks. However, it’s more fun to toss around theories of space aliens, blunt-footed dinosaurs or freak forces of nature. Summon your creative energies because this is a phenomenon in need of a name.

LENGTH: 4 miles

RATING: difficult

ELEVATION: 4550’- 4750’

Butt Crack Rock

TRAILHEAD:

From the intersection of State Routes 87/260 in Payson, turn right and go less than a mile east on SR260 to Granite Dells Road (located just past the Safeway center). Turn right and go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into Forest Road 435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left.

INFO & MAPS:

http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/payson-area-trails-system-fd7b3

CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP TRAIL

CYPRESS-BOULDERS LOOP

Payson

Water on the Cypress Trail: March 2, 2013

Snow on North Boulders Loop: March 2, 2013

The seasons of spring and fall share a common, landscape transforming magic.  While autumn is famous for painting the Arizona high country in warm fiery hues, spring brings on a rush of “pop up” snow melt rivers to our deserts.  March and April are the best months to view the transient water works in the Payson area.  There’s still enough snow on the peaks and hiding out in shady canyons to keep ravines and gullies flowing, but it won’t last long. Located close to town in a surprisingly untamed terrain of weathered granite dells and abrupt mini-canyons, the Cypress-Boulders Loop, is an ideal place to experience snowmelt runoff.  The trail is shared-use and open to hikers, equestrians, bikes and ATVs, and thus sees lots of action especially during this prime time.  When we hiked here this week, water was everywhere and we found ourselves hopping rivulets and ogling at water chutes cascading over bare rock every few minutes.  Forests of pines, junipers and of course cypress trees mixed in with open, boulder-studded fields form a patchwork of shade and sun along the route.  Although this hike would be pretty anytime of year, cool temperatures and rare water make it exceptional in spring.

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

From the trailhead, follow Cypress Trail 2.5 miles to the junction for Boulders Trail.  Take either the north or south leg and hike the 2.7-mile loop back to this junction, then retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

LENGTH:  7.3 miles round trip

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  4485’- 4932’

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel north on SR87 (Beeline Hwy) to Payson.  At the intersection of SR87 and SR260, go right and follow 260 less than a mile to Granite Dells Road on the right just past the Safeway.  Go 1.9 miles on Granite Dells to a small easy-to-miss sign for Cypress Trail.  There’s no official parking area, just find a spot along the road being mindful of the private driveways in the area.

ALTERNATE ACCESS TO THE LOOP:

Go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into FR435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left just before a roadblock.  From here, hike down to the roadblock on FR435 and hike 0.5 mile (crossing 3 concrete bridges) to the Boulder Loop trailhead—look for a sign on the cliff wall on the left.  The trail begins on the dirt road heading downhill to the right. NOTE: From the first P.A.T.S. sign above the gorge, the trail continues directly across the gorge.  (NOTE: when we hiked this trail in April 2017, this access trail had been washed away. To reach eh trail, continue another 0.25 mile down FR435 and follow the ATV track to cross the gorge) You can see the signs high on the opposite embankment. 

INFO:

Payson Area Trails System (PATS)

http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/payson-area-trails-system-fd7b3

BOULDERS TRAIL

BOULDERS LOOP TRAIL Payson From the looks of the deteriorating Tonto National Forest sign at the trailhead, this route was, at one time, an official Forest Service trail, which after succumbing to neglect, found some love within the Payson Area Trails System (P.A.T.S.). However, even with its new patrons overseeing maintenance, this scenic trail has yet to attract much hiker love. Maybe that’s because erosion has taken a toll on the area, and the road to the trailhead is now blocked off a half-mile from the FS sign. In fact, the old Tonto Boulders/Cypress trailhead is currently teetering on the edge of a gaping gorge and will likely fall away with the next strong monsoon. But fear not, a new trailhead has been relocated a few yards north and (for now) appears to be on stable ground. As its name implies, this trail is all about boulders. The trek is like wandering through an outdoor “art walk” among the wind-and-water-worn pink granite sculptures of southeast Payson’s Granite Dells area. In addition, the trail weaves around Stewart Creek and various watersheds that sustain a healthy forest of Ponderosa pines, cypress, juniper and riparian galleries choked with sycamores, alders and cottonwoods. According to a local hiker I ran into on the trail, this route gets few visitors. She walks the trail several times a week and rarely runs into anybody. Given that this close-to-town trail has many fine qualities--this is very surprising. Although P.A.T.S. rates this hike as “more difficult”---probably because of the loose footing and several mildly steep segments—I’m comfortable plopping it into the moderate range. The loop is made up of two trails—North Boulders and South Boulders. I elected to hike counterclockwise, beginning on the North trail, which turned out to be a good decision because most of the climbing is along this section. This hidden gem-of-a- trail deserves a lot more love than it gets---so head out there hikers, and do kissy-face with this under appreciated, sexy route. LENGTH: 4-mile loop (including 1 mile on FR 435) ELEVATION: 4,550’ – 4, 750’ RATING: moderate BEST SEASON: year-round, best water March-April GETTING THERE: From the intersection of SR87/260 in Payson, go less than a mile east on SR260 to Granite Dells Road (located just past the Safeway center). Turn right and go 3.3 miles on Granite Dells Road (which will turn into FR435 after 1.3 miles) and park at the Monument Peak trailhead on the left just before a roadblock. From here, hike down to the roadblock on FR435 and hike 0.5 mile (crossing 3 concrete bridges) to the Boulder Loop trailhead—look for a sign on the cliff wall on the left. The trail begins on the dirt road heading downhill to the right. NOTE: From the first P.A.T.S. sign above the gorge, the trail continues directly across the gorge. You can see the signs high on the opposite embankment. (NOTE: when we hiked this trail in April 2017, this access trail had been washed away. To reach eh trail, continue another 0.25 mile down FR435 and follow the ATV track to cross the gorge)  The remainder of the route is well signed except for a short section that passes through a corridor of granite. Here, look for cairns marking the way and soon you’ll pick up the P.A.T.S. signs. OTHER ACCESS POINTS: see the PATS Web site for additional connecting trails. INFO: Payson Area Trails System http://www.paysonrimcountry.com/MountainRecreation/HikingTrails/PaysonAreaTrailsSystem/BouldersLoopCypressTrails.aspx MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51834&id=1795269672&l=d71015189a