Rock Creek Trail #42 - Mazatzals Photoset • 00blackout • 2026-02-15 • HikeArizona.COM

Rock Creek Trail #42 - Mazatzals, AZ

	2026-02-15
	31 by 00blackout

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Rock Creek Trail #42 - Mazatzals

Payson, AZ

Rock Creek Trail #42 - Mazatzals

Payson, AZ

Hiking	11.23 Miles	4,284 AEG

Hiking	11.23 Miles	9 Hrs	1.60 mph
	4,284 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

After passing on doing this hike numerous times before, I finally reluctantly said yes when S asked again

. Drove up 442 a bit until it became unpassable and parked there. The initial section through Center Creek is easy in a nice riparian area. Then the trail climbs and climbs continuously, steady at first, then the grade gets really steep, climbing 2,500 feet in about 2 miles. We took a break at the two waterfalls, which had a light to moderate flow with good-tasting water that I filtered. Then it's back to riding up in an elevator until the grade modifies as it climbs to the top of the ridge at 7,085 feet. We continued as the trail made a steep 500-foot descent to Hopi Spring and eventually the AZT junction. We took a lunch break near the AZT junction and made the steep climb back up the ridge. The trail from the ridge to the AZT junction was in good shape, as it appears that a lot of manzanita was cut. Just be careful of some of the remaining stumps, as they do not feel too good stepping on them. Ask S, she knows

. Uneventful hike back as my knees were not happy with me descending the steep sections. Temps were good all day, with a little bit of refreshing wind higher up; however, down lower, the brush and grasses were wet, which cranked up the humidity. Overall, the trail is easy to follow as there are tons of carins to assist. There is a little brush here and there, and up by the ridge, the grass is thick in spots, but nothing horrible. Tons of signs of wildlife, but none seen, including the two-legged kind. There were no fresh prints along the trail, or along the very small section of AZT we walked.

In summary, this trail is a complete pumpkin kicker and took me completely out of my element as big AEG hikes are not really my thing. I huffed and puffed and bitched, but in the end got it done.

. Thanks, S for inviting me to this torture fest

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Center Creek	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	The further you go upcreek, the more flow.

	Hopi Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Overflowing, spilling water down the hill. AZT junction is a watery, muddy mess. Some algae at the bottom but filterable.

Rock Creek at Half Moon Trail

Light flow

Rock Creek Falls - Mazatzal Wilderness

Light flow

_____________________

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.

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