Slightly congested the first mile. Meadow the next half mile. Congested the next two miles. Easier going the final quarter mile or so to West leonard Canyon.
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
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Directions
Road
FR / Jeep Road - Car possible when dry
To hike From Phoenix, head north on AZ-87, the Beeline Highway, into Payson. Middle Leonard Canyon is dead center on Rim Rd. So, the time from Payson to Middle Leonard Canyon, is the same whether you drive north through Pine and Strawberry, then east on Rim Rd., or if you drive east on AZ-260, then west on Rim Rd. I did the latter, to avoid blinding early morning glare driving east on Rim Rd: Drive east on AZ-260 for 29 miles. After cresting the Mogollon Rim, take the first left onto FR 300 / Rim Rd. In 3.2 miles, at the Woods Canyon Lake intersection, Rim Rd. changes to car-drivable dirt. 9.4 miles from AZ-260 is a t-intersection. Turn left. (Right is FR 34 to Winslow.) In 12.0 miles, a mile past the Knoll Lake turnoff, turn right onto FR 300H. Park as soon as you find a good spot.