Mesa to Payson

[timboyle]

Greetings!
I'm looking into a hike from West Mesa to Payson.
I've been told there is an old sheep trail that can be found north and east of Mesa that leads up to the Mazatzals, then all the way to Payson. I think the AZ trail meets it for a short time. The Mazatzal Divide Trail (#23) might be part of it.
I was told a Boy Scout Troop hiked this route about 30 years ago, but they didn't follow the 87, the sheep trail was to the east of it.
Any leads? I've tried several things in the search can't seem to find a full connecting set of trails.

[joebartels]

It's going vary considerably depending on where you start. If you are fixed on Mesa and using as many trails as possible then the Superstitions onto the AZT is your ticket.

starter map http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=4161
you can zoom into areas, right click over the map & "Plot Routes in View"

If you start from the north end of the Valley, the Davenport Trail will get you there quicker.

[Nighthiker]

Over the years sheep were herded thru the East valley and thru the Usery Mtns. using Ellsworth. After the sheep bridge was washed out on the Salt River and with growth in the East Valley the sheep used Bulldog Canyon crossed the Salt River and headed North to connect with the Camp Reno road to Sunflower.

[chumley]

This was discussed a few years ago in another thread. There's even a gps track for the northern sections.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3004&p=71980

[chumley]

Interestingly, during the whole feral pony brouhaha a couple of weeks back I read that the sheep have NOT made the trip in the past two years due to budget constraints.

[big_load]

I read that the sheep have NOT made the trip in the past two years due to budget constraints.

Sheep wages haven't kept pace with inflation, and they no longer have enough disposable income for such pursuits.

[chumley]

That was baaaaaaaaaa d.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Sheep wages haven't kept pace with inflation, and they no longer have enough disposable income for such pursuits.

Actually they now take the free Mazatzal Casino bus to Payson and walk the rest of the way through the cooler high country to the better pastures. Just sayin... ;)