Meadow Trail #505
Payson, Arizona
| Address: | Forest Service Rd 105, Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931, USA |
| GPS: |
34°19'59.4"N 110°56'36.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.7 mi |
Lakes
Hike
Meadow Trail #505 is a short, paved path along the rim of Woods Canyon Lake, high on Arizona's Mogollon Rim in the cool pines of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Smooth and nearly level, it's designed to be accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers, opening up the forest's beauty to visitors of every ability.
The trail runs from the edge of popular Woods Canyon Lake out to a scenic overlook at the rim of the canyon, with easy views of the water, the surrounding ponderosa forest, and the dramatic drop-off of the Rim country. It's a gentle, family-friendly stroll rather than a workout — perfect for a sunset walk, a picnic outing, or a relaxed leg-stretch while camping nearby.
Woods Canyon Lake is one of the Rim's most beloved recreation spots, with trout fishing, boating (electric motors only), a store, and several campgrounds close at hand, so the trail pairs easily with a full day on the mountain. At roughly 7,500 feet, it's a refreshing escape from the desert heat about two hours from the Phoenix area.
The season runs through the warmer months; bring water and sun protection, and remember that afternoon monsoon storms are common in mid- to late summer.
More Information
Arizona Hiking: 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...
http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com/2016/06/meadow-trail-505.htmlBe 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 (29.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Rim Rd (3.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Woods Canyon RdDestination will be on the left(1.6 mi)
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
Woods Canyon Lake
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0.2 miles NWA trout-fishing lake near Payson with a scenic loop hike and Mogollon Rim views — swimming is not recommended, but the scenery and fishing make it well worth the visit.
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Gordon Creek Falls
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Sinkhole Campground
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Horton Springs
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Ellison Creek Falls
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Woods Canyon Lake
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0.2 miles NWA trout-fishing lake near Payson with a scenic loop hike and Mogollon Rim views — swimming is not recommended, but the scenery and fishing make it well worth the visit.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Aspen Campground
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Sinkhole Campground
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Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike 1.1 mi
Christopher Creek Campground
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5.6 miles WA creekside campground east of Payson with swimming holes, small waterfalls, spring trout stocking, and cross-country skiing in winter — open for day-use and overnight camping spring through fall.
Camp, Canyoneer, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Swim
Haigler Canyon Campground
Payson, Arizona
7.9 miles SA 2007-built campground along Haigler Creek with 14 overnight sites, trout fishing stocked April through late August, and chiseled canyon swimming holes nearby.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
Payson, Arizona
8.7 miles WA 9-site first-come-first-served campground at the junction of Tonto and Horton Creeks — with vault toilets, drinking water, and trailheads for Horton Spring and the Highline Trail nearby.
Camp, Hike 1.1-3.5 mi
Horton Springs
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8.7 miles WA spring on the Mogollon Rim where water emerges dramatically from the mountainside — hike the easy Horton Creek Trail through wildflowers and maples, splash in the cold creek, and camp near the spring.
Backpack, Camp, Hike
Hell's Gate
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Backpack, Camp, Hike, Swim
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