JONES CROSSING

JONES CROSSING

Coconino National Forest

A doggie paradise

The water of East Clear Creek nourishes a sweet ribbon of green across the Mogollon Rim and a hike into the beautiful Jones Crossing area of this perennial stream rewards with exposure to an impossibly lush canyon flanked by contorted limestone cliffs.

East Clear Creek

The trek begins at Jones Crossing bridge where hikers can follow the stream either north or south.

The southbound strip is most scenic and better shaded.

Right out of the chute, the route---which roughly follows a closed 4x4 road----drops hikers into a field of thigh-high grasses splattered with OxEye Daisies and wild geraniums.

Yellow columbine

From here, just follow the water to enter a steep-walled canyon with intermittent pools and trickling rivulets smothered in ferns and bobbing yellow Columbine.

Water levels fluctuate so be prepared for wet feet as there are a few spots where crossings require some ankle-deep wading.

LENGTH:

Southbound (as described here): whatever---but it’s 5.2 miles one-way to the Poverty Draw side canyon.

Northbound: whatever, but it’s 1.75 miles to an unsigned forest road

RATING: easy, with several creek crossings

ELEVATION: 6,850’ – 7,050’

BEST SEASON: May - October

GETTING THERE:

From the intersection of State Routes 87/260 in Payson, go north on SR87  past Pine-Strawberry to milepost 289 and the sign for Jones Crossing at Forest Road 141. Continue 4 miles east on FR141 to the (signed) Jones Crossing bridge and park along the road. Forest Road 141 is maintained dirt with just a few minor bumpy parts--okay for slowly driven sedans.
Hike begins across of the bridge at the yellow “area closed” and “732” signs. The area is closed to all motorized vehicles, but hiking is okay.