[AZKendog]

New to this site and hiking in general. Looking for a few suggestions on day hikes around the Payson area where I could see wildlife (deer, elk, etc.). Also, will be looking for to go on some overnight hikes once I get the gear and get into better shape. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

[olesma]

Welcome to HAZ AZKendog. I think you'll find more information than you could possibly hope for on this site. Keep asking the questions - and all of us crusty hikers will try and give you the skinny on what is going on.

Well, as far as day hikes go - around the Payson area there are a bunch of dandies. Horton Springs (a trail that has generated a lot of postings recently) springs (sorry ) to mind - and anything along Tonto Creek is always a good bet. Check out the TrailDex for some of the ratings and distance.

As for good places to see wildlife - well, you're going to just have to trust your luck on that one. I've traveled all over, and I've seen wildlife in some unexpected areas, but I've also been in areas that I thought sure were prime for wildlife, but got nothing.

The best bet is to hit more out of the way trails - places that don't see a lot of traffic. But then, if you're new to hiking - I don't recommend that approach at first. Get a few miles under your belt on some more well traveled trails first. That will help you build some trail finding skills, and also get you to begin to find your own comfort levels and physical limits.

After a little while, when you've built up the hiking skills, give some of the more out of the way spots a shot. It is well worth your time.

[joe bartels]

Early Morning
Near a Water Source

I'd read up on...

Barnhardt Trail
Christopher Creek Gorge
Drew (Beginning)
Ellison Creek Cascades
Flume Trail
Fossil Springs
Hellsgate 37 (N)to Tonto Creek
Horton Creek Trail
See Canyon
Tonto Narrows
Towel Creek Ruins
Verde Hot Springs
Water Wheel Hike
Woods Canyon Lake Trail

[jeremy77777]

Anywhere away from people in the middle of nowhere.

[landsinaz]

If you head up to the Woods Canyon area, we have almost always seen elk along the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) at dusk, once you get past the lake traffic areas. Since we are not morning people, we are usually hiking out late, so early evening is our favorite time. In the Four Peaks area we have seen a multitude of deer and tarantula, a few coyotes, and once even a bob cat. Happy looking!

[Diane Tuccillo]

The recommendations here for places to go are great. Now it is up to you to go and be patient! Be prepared to get up early for dawn sightings or scope things out at dusk. We have a cabin and see all sorts of wildlife at those times from there, and on trails/roads. You just have to sit still and be quiet and it will show up. Dawn is probably your best bet. The wildlife in the high country is abundant, as it also is in the desert. Have fun!