Park Creek Falls Photoset • The_N • 2017-01-25 • HikeArizona.COM

Park Creek Falls, AZ

	2017-01-25
	10 by The_N

1 label

1
1 label
1 label

1
3

Park Creek Falls

Payson, AZ

Park Creek Falls

Payson, AZ

Hiking	7.05 Miles	2,927 AEG

Hiking	7.05 Miles	5 Hrs	1.76 mph
	2,927 ft AEG	1 Hour Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Park Trail #66

Partners

none

no partners

Took Rosie out for a little exploration. We stopped at Deer Creek TH first and started up Gold Ridge before I changed my mind. Decided I'd rather see water instead of just snow. I knew Park Creek was close and had never been so off we went. The turnoff from 188 (FR409 I think) was in great shape despite recent weather. Park Creek was raging at the TH / crossing. Park Trail was wet and muddy but well cairned and fairly clear of brush. A nice waterfall came into view shortly after gaining elevation. I could hear water at practically every turn. We didn't hit snow on the trail until about 4600ft. At the turnoff down to the upper creek / falls area snow turns to mud and quicksand while catclaw and it's friends become more numerous. I'm not one to complain but wear pants! I didn't and my legs took a beating on the off-trail parts. There's a ton of water currently. Every drainage was running and big waterfalls loomed in almost every direction. The views of Ord, Tonto Basin, the Rim and Anchas were nice as well. Temps were in the 40s and the sun was hidden most of the day. We cherished every minute of sunshine. We explored the falls area going up canyon first before heading down toward the big falls. I took a spill right before the fixed rope / dropoff. One of those quick, no time to react moments and I was on my back on a wet rock slab next to a rushing creek. Left knee and elbow took the blow. Following Chumley's route, we attempted to bypass the falls and get to a better vantage point but it wasn't happening with Rosie tagging along. I had to help her up a couple short climbs and eventually the bushwacking became too much for her. She's a trooper for enduring what she did. We settled on a sunny overlook on the hill. Both had a snack, I had a cold beverage and we soaked in all the beauty before heading back the way we came. Definitely a nice destination right now with all of the water. Lots of Deer sign but to my surprise we didn't see any wildlife other than some quail and a few other birds. I'm willing to return without the dog and see what else this place has to offer.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cheatgrass

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mount Ord Park Creek

	Corner Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Didn't set eyes on the actual spring but there was water flowing down onto the trail.

_____________________

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

username		X
password		X