| when | January 17, 2026 Saturday, | ||
| when | Trip Report : October 6, 2007 | ||
| Trip Report : December 18, 1999 | |||
| where | Mazatzal Wilderness Area | ||
| the hike |
The Deer Creek Trail offers an easy approach the east side of the Mazatzal
Mountains. It crosses the range land to Deer Creek and then follows the
creek upstream for about 4 miles. There are numerous places to stop and
cool off in the creek or enjoy a snack.
Join me on this hike a few miles south of the Barnhardt Trail with a variety of scenery involving desert cactus mixed with high desert scrub. Cottonwood and sycamore trees align a gurgling creek replete with large boulders. We will begin at the Deer Creek trailhead off Highway 87. In less than quarter of a mile hikers will encounter a variety of colored rocks involving deep purple, red, blue, grey, and orange evident of nearby mining activity. The group will go past trail #47 (Gold Ridge) followed by #46 (South Fork) until being introduced to Trail #45 (Deer Creek) about 1 mile that offers some shade. The trail winds back and forth between the creek in addition to up and down sections between 50 to 100 ft. following the contours of a small canyon. When this writer hiked Deer Creek on 12/15/25 the water level was ankle-high but easily navigable. Hiking sticks are strongly recommended. The group will turn around after 4.5 miles heading back to the cars. We will return on the same route. What to bring: • at least 2 liters of water and lunch • sunblock, hat, sunglasses • sturdy hiking boots • long pants (there is prickly brush) • camera • You may want to leave dry shoes and socks at the cars. |
||
| distance | 7 - 9 miles (round trip) | ||
| time | 5-6 hours | ||
| EC | +-500' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 3198' (Deer Creek Trailhead) to 3500' (picnic rocks) | ||
| type | round trip | ||
| starting at |
|
||
| on trail | 100% — Deer Creek Trail #45 | ||
| rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs? | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
||
| weather | Payson | ||
| leader | You must email Vicky to confirm. | ||
| meet | 8:30 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 Starbuck’s. | ||
| drive | Deer Creek Trailhead is at junction of Arizona SR 87 and SR 188. From Fountain Hills, take AZ 87 north to mile marker 235.5. The trailhead is well-marked on a dirt road just off the highway. |
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| updated December 18, 2025 | © Copyright 2025, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |