MEADOW TRAIL # 505

MEADOW TRAIL # 505

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

A pond on the Meadow Trail

Taking a walk in the forest shouldn't be limited to the young and fleet of foot. High on the edge of the Mogollon Rim north of Payson, two paved trails combine for more than 5 miles of barrier free exploring. Both are suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers so everybody can wander under the pines regardless of their mobility issues. Well known Rim Vista Trail #622 traces limestone escarpments overlooking rambling valleys of coniferous forests and distant mountain vistas. This popular route can be accessed from any of the viewpoint parking lots located along the first three miles of Forest Road 300. Meadow Trail #505 intersects Rim Vista at the Woods Canyon Vista trailhead and offers a less crowded option. Located within Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area, Trail #505 parallels the busy access road, passing several campgrounds on its way to the lake.

The well-signed route encompasses pine-oak woodlands, sunny meadows, myriad wildflowers, two rustic bridges and a good chance to see wildlife skulking along the margins of a swampy pond.

Bridge on the Meadow Trail

Upon its approach to the lake, the trail makes a gentle descent to land at a country store where you can purchase a day use permit if you want to continue exploring the more difficult Woods Canyon Lake Trail #336 that makes a 3 mile loop around the lake or rent a kayak for a cooling glide over the water.

Rim Vista Trail at the edge of the Mogollon Rim

LENGTH: 

Meadow Trail: 1.8 miles one way

Rim Vista Trail: 3.5 miles one way

RATING: easy/barrier free

ELEVATION: 7,540' – 7,640'

GETTING THERE:

From Payson, go 29 miles east on State Route 260 to Forest Road 300 (Rim Road), turn left and continue 3 miles to the Woods Canyon Vista trailhead on the left. The trail begins across the road.

INFO: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/outdoorlearning/recarea/?recid=45321&actid=50

WOODS CANYON LAKE

WOODS CANYON LAKE Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest In September of 1993, an unsuspecting hiker went into the thicket surrounding Woods Canyon Lake to answer nature’s call and got more than relief. Lurking in the brush was, as she described it, a very large, hairy, human-like creature who left footprints the size of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus. She did not get a photo, nor did the many other people who claim to have sighted the elusive beast in the Mogollon Rim’s lake country. Known in legend as Bigfoot, it’s not surprising that the shy missing-link would feel at home at the lake. After all, who wouldn’t want to live where wild roses and ferns embellish the shores of a lake teeming with fish, cranes and beavers while a canopy of Douglas firs filters the sunlight and provides cozy, secluded alcoves? More a stroll than a hike, the trail hugs the water’s edge as it skirts dense grasses, woods and dells. Although usually busy, this popular recreation area is so quiet; you can hear fish jumping and the soporific sound of canoes bobbing on the water. There are lots of places along the trail to stop and enjoy the sights, and when nature calls, remember to bring your camera. LENGTH: 3 miles RATING: Easy ELEVATION: 7,500 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 87 north to Payson. In Payson, connect to AZ 260 and drive east for 30 miles to just past milepost 282 and turn left onto Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) at the Woods Canyon Lake sign and go 4 miles to the lake. Park by the store and pick up the trail at either end of the parking lot.