Thanks to Sandy and Gary for driving. We packed nine hikers into two cars.

After checking GPS we left FR 123 and traveled east a short distance on an unnamed road. We parked the cars in a clearing under the powerline (marked “AZT28 TH” on the map).

We traveled north under the power lines looking for the Arizona Trail.

We crossed a ravine on the east side of a suspended aqueduct and continued northward until it re-joined FR 123.

At the GPS location “AZT1” described in the book, we found the trail on the left (west side of the road).

We were greeted with a Forest Service posting stating that the trail was closed due to a prescribed burn. The posting was dated July 17. Not seeing or smelling smoke, we continued on.

We hiked to the creek where everyone kicked back and had lunch. Thickened smoke on the hillside north of the creek was the clue to head back.

On the return five of us picked up the trail on the east side of FR 123 and followed it back to the cars. It twice crossed the same powerline path and ended just fifty yards east of the cars.

Lots of mushroom picture taking.

We enjoyed a cold beer as we undid our boots … followed with dinner in Payson.