See Canyon Trail - Hiking near Payson, Arizona
See Canyon Trailhead, Payson, AZ 85541, USA,Payson,Arizona
34.335941453476956, -111.01422786712646
19.2 miles E of Payson, Arizona
Address: See Canyon Trailhead, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
GPS: 34°20'9.4"N 111°0'51.2"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trails/Routes: 3.3 mi

Streams Trails

Hike

See Canyon Trail #184 takes the hiker on a journey through the wooded Arizona wilderness surrounding Christopher Creek, and leading up the Mogollon Rim.  This trail has trailhead markers at the beginning and the end of the trail, allowing hikers to proceed from either end. The first mile of the hike starting from the south is relatively flat, making a great day-trip for kids and dogs (on leash). After 2/3rds of a mile from the southern trailhead, there is a side trail to the right that goes to See Spring, which makes a nice detour if you didn't bring enough water. If you want to continue on, take the fork to the left, which will take you alongside Christopher Creek for a while, before climbing up to the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The hike gets steadily more difficult after the first mile. Christopher Creek flows seasonally, so it may not have much more than a trickle if rain hasn't fallen recently. 

It's worth noting that while the lush vegetation provides a beautiful hiking environment, this hike will lack the scenic views of the valley that other hikes down the Mogollon Rim offer. Maples, aspens, and oak trees offer a spectacular autumnal display.

Make sure to bring plenty of water beforehand, you will want it with the steep elevation changes. Keep an eye on the weather, and avoid potential flash flood conditions for your safety.

Updated June 27, 2026
2.0K Written by camilledupar

More Information

Arizona Hiking: SEE CANYON

   SEE CANYON, Christopher Creek One of the most popular hikes below the Mogollon Rim, See Canyon Trail #184 begins as an easy str...

http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com/2011/07/see-canyon.html

Explore Arizona | Arizona Highways

Arizona Highways' award-winning photography and travel journalism has celebrated the beauty and splendor of Arizona since 1925.

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See Canyon Trail #184 Hiking Trail, Star Valley, Arizona

A steep canyon trail that follows Cristopher Creek to the rim. Near Star Valley, Arizona.

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7014444/see-canyon-trail-184
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Link to another great resource

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Payson, Arizona

  1. Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (0.7 mi)
  2. Turn right onto AZ-260 E (20.1 mi)
  3. Turn left onto Christopher Creek Loop (1.1 mi)
  4. Turn left onto Nf-284 (1.6 mi)
or

There are parking lots at each end of the trail; both accessable by 2 wheel drive car over a gravel road. 

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See Canyon Trail Trail 184 Hike Arizona by cw50Adventures
October 2016 Fall Colors on the Mogollon Rim (
2.0K

Added by camilledupar

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