Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Bushnell Tanks Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
December 6, 2025
|
| where |
Sunflower |
| the hike |
Join me on this hike through high desert ranch country that goes through a section of
the AZ Trail. From the parking area, we will head for .25 miles down a dirt road to a
sign located across from a wash just before a cattle guard. Veer right into the wash that
follows through a beautiful grove of sycamore and cottonwood trees that will hopefully
be turning colors. Cross the creek and then head uphill, veering left (going towards a
ranch) following the fence line that eventually runs into a corral. From the corral make a
right turn followed by a left turn that runs along a road paralleling the AZ Trail. This road
ends at Bushnell Tranks where we will stop for lunch. We will then head back to the
cars.
|
| distance |
8 - 10 miles round trip |
| time |
5 hours |
| EC |
+-1,000 elevation change |
| elevations |
3,350 to 3,700 feet |
| type |
round trip |
| starting at |
Bushnell Tanks Trailhead |
| on trail |
100% — Sunflower Trail #344 |
| rating |
"B"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed |
no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Payson.
|
| leader |
Email the leader to confirm.
|
| meet |
8:00 AM in the parking lot of the
Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west
of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please
park up against the north curb away from Target.
|
| drive |
| • |
Go 41 miles north on SR 87 to the turnoff for Bushnell Tanks near the community of Sunflower.
|
| • |
Park in the gravel lot near an “area closed” sign and a large Arizona Trail kiosk.
|
| • |
The area is open to non-motorized use. |
|