Photos by Mare Czinar Bear Canyon Lake

BEAR CANYON LAKE
 
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
near Payson

Attention all Big Foot seekers: This is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast seriously or as the hiking world’s tallest tale, know that many alleged Big Foot sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake. 

Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination, the beast allegedly still abides. So you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and – for serious seekers – supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists (those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures). That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places, and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Big Foot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high-country trek, including a scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves.

HIGHLIGHTS: deep, water-filled canyon with plenty of wildlife

LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail)

ELEVATION: 7,560-7,500 feet

RATING: easy

DOG RATING: ***  

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one way (2.5 hours)

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR 300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake. The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots for .25 miles to the lake, where it continues along the shore in both directions.

INFO: Black Mesa Ranger District, 928-535-7300, www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml

Mack's Crossing

MACK'S CROSSING

Coconino National Forest
near Payson

Since it was abandoned in the 1940s, the old road leading to Mack’s Crossing has disintegrated into a precipitous ledge overlooking a gaping gorge carved by East Clear Creek. Hike at a leisurely pace to savor the dramatic beauty of this canyon, whose rough conditions don’t deter brave souls on gear-covered ATVs from careening down its serpentine route.

The downhill trek to the creek begins on the sunny, summer cabin-peppered lip of the Mogollon Rim, passing fossiliferous limestone outcroppings and elegant Arizona walnut trees before rounding a bend where grand views of the waterway 600 feet below grab the spotlight.

Near the creek, thickets of wild roses, alders and exotic wildflowers color the landscape, serving up handy excuses to stop and take in the sights. Although the official trail ends where the road meets the shore of the stream, opportunities for wading, swimming and fishing abound both up and downstream.

HIGHLIGHTS: wildflowers, wild roses, swimmable creek

LENGTH: 4 miles (on trail)

ELEVATION: 6,250-6,860 feet

RATING: moderate

DOG RATING: ***

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 165 miles one way (2.75 hours)

GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 89 and AZ 260 in Payson, go north on 89 past Clint’s Well to milepost 304.5 and turn right onto Enchanted Lane (Forest Road 319). Continue .2 miles to Green Ridge Drive, hang a right and go .5 miles to Juniper Drive. From here, turn right and go a short distance to Cedar Drive and follow it to the “primitive road 137” sign. Park along the road; do not block private driveways.

INFO: Refer to the Coconino National Forest map. You can order one online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/maps/index.shtml.

Red Rock Crossing

RED ROCK CROSSING

Coconino National Forest
near Sedona

Ancient spirits are rumored to inhabit the rusty-red landforms that soar above this enchanting, cottonwood- and sycamore-shaded bend in Oak Creek Canyon. That’s because, in addition to being one of the most photographed locations in the world, Red Rock Crossing also is one of Sedona’s vortex sites – places on earth noted for their high spiritual energy. The area’s beauty and cooling waters attract religious pilgrims, tourists and those who just want to enjoy majestic views and cool breezes along the creek. Many of the trails in the park are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, while shaded ramadas, restrooms and access to swimming holes, water chutes and fly fishing combine for a memorable, family friendly day trip.

HIGHLIGHTS: kid-friendly, water play, some barrier-free trails, picnic armadas, world-famous views

LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (for the unpaved creek walk)

ELEVATION: 4,000 feet

RATING: easy

DOG RATING: Dogs must stay on leashes and out of the water.

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 122 miles one way (2 hours)

GETTING THERE: Drive west from Sedona on AZ 89A to Upper Red Rock Loop Road (Forest Road 216) and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing.

FEES: $10 daily fee per vehicle

INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, 928-282-4119, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/crescentmoon-picnic.shtml