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Deer Creek Trail #45
54 Photosets
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Deer Creek Trail #45, AZ
mini location map2022-04-23
5 by photographer avatarlouie
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Deer Creek Trail #45Payson, AZ
Deer Creek Trail #45
Payson, AZ
Backpack6.00 Miles 1,000 AEG
Backpack6.00 Miles1 Day         
1,000 ft AEG40 LBS Pack
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Backpacked from the top down to Gowan Camp and camped for the night. I was surprised there was so much water with the dry year it has been. The stream must be spring fed from somewhere as there just doesn't seem like there is enough natural moisture up there to keep the creek flowing like it was. Maple draw had flow as did a few other unnamed drainages during our day hike. Hiking past Gowan camp the trail gets pretty over grown with a few spots where you need to pay attention to your footing with some drop offs that will get the heart racing for a moment or two. Found a nice pool with a rock overhang that would be good place for a soak in the stream a mile or so down the trail from the wilderness sign. We hiked maybe 2 miles past Gowan camp and didn't see any good places to camp. It seems like Gowan camp is the best place to camp until you drop much lower into the drainage towards the gravesite. Gowan camp is a nice wide area with a lot of space. A lot of the sites are kind of sloped, but it's doable. We found a decent spot next to the creek that was fairly flat. It was a cold night. Upper 30's for a few hours before the sun came up. I tried making it in my hammock, but with no insulation moved to the ground with my sleeping pad, ground cover and bivy and I was warm again. Came back with some bug bites from something, but hey that's the price of hanging out in the woods.

Found the unmarked start of the Davey Gowan trail just before Gowan Camp. There isn't much of a trail for the first couple 100 yards or so. You're just walking along the side of a hill, but there are pink ribbons to help keep you on the path. We didn't hike much of it so maybe it gets more discernable as you keep hiking.

The road to the TH was in good shape and any car with some decent ground clearance can get there no problem. Love this area. It's a little longer drive then Mount Ord, but you get to the pines so quick. It would make a nice place to camp even in the summer. And not a lot of people come up to this area. Another stellar trip!

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Gowan Camp Spring Gallon + per minute Gallon + per minute
Stream had a nice flow. Plenty of water to filter.
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