Christopher Creek Gorge
Payson, Arizona
| Address: | Box Canyon Trail, Payson, AZ 85541, USA |
| GPS: |
34°18'48.7"N 111°3'20.8"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.8 mi |
Rivers Rocks
Canyoneer, Hike, and Swim
Christopher Creek Gorge is a fun swimming or canyoneering destination located in Christopher Creek, just outside of Payson, Arizona. To get there, you have to hike from the Christopher Mountain trailhead next to the freeway, and then you can rappel down the various waterfalls and swimming holes. The water is cold year-round, which is nice during the summer, but a wetsuit is advised if going during the colder months. The rocks are slippery when wet, so be cautious and safe.
There is no fee for accessing the gorge, except for parking as explained below in the directions. If you do choose to park at the campground, there are restrooms available there.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
| Box Canyon Trail to Christopher Creek (One Way) | 0.8 miles Round Trip |
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Payson, Arizona
- Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (0.7 mi)
- Turn right onto AZ-260 E (18.7 mi)
One option for parking is to use the nearby Christopher Creek Campground, but there is a $6 day use fee if you choose to do this. Another option is to park along the side of the road near the trail head; the former parking area has disappeared since the recent highway construction. Take care not to park at the nearby Boy Scout Camp, as that is private property and would be trespassing.
Trails
Distance ?
0.8 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
-180 feetReal Ascent ?
42 feetReal Descent ?
222 feetAvg Grade (-5°)
-9%Grade (-49° to 10°)
-115% to 18%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.