Rock Wall Trail #608 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Payson, AZ

Hiking		May 01 2025
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

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Jun 04 2022

hikerdw

Routes 268
Photos 2,969
Triplogs 541

66 male

Joined Aug 16 2009
Mesa,AZ

Wise Trail

Wise Trail

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Jun 04 2022
		hikerdw • Triplogs 541

Hiking	11.18 Miles	1,824 AEG

Hiking	11.18 Miles	5 Hrs 48 Mns	2.34 mph
	1,824 ft AEG	1 Hour 1 Min Break

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Bearfoot Trail #13

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

Decided to give this rim climb trail a try, I enjoyed it, Ryan not so much.

Parked at the Strawberry TH and hiked the Bearfoot Trail to the start of the Wise Trail. Lower Wise was steep but relatively easy to follow. The middle of Wise is less steep but more overgrown and challenging to stay on route. This is the section Ryan grew tried of very quickly. The steepness returned on the upper section of Wise but the route finding was easier. At the top there was a nice rocky section were easy scrambling was required. Once on the rim we took a short break then did some wandering before we headed back down via FR 608, aka Rock Wall Trail.

Nice hike that I’d do again but I might need to bribe my hiking partner into joining me.

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Expect to self rescue

Sep 03 2019

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 989
Photos 12,068
Triplogs 864

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Rock Wall Bear Foot Loop, AZ

Hiking		Sep 03 2019
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 864

Hiking	16.17 Miles	2,423 AEG

Hiking	16.17 Miles	8 Hrs		2.56 mph
	2,423 ft AEG	1 Hour 41 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

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Pine Creek @ Bearfoot Trail

Bearfoot Trail #13

Pine Canyon Trail #26

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On my second day in Payson I opted for the Rock Wall, Pine Canyon and Bear Foot Loop. I started at the Rock Wall Trail because I wanted to get the climb up to the rim done in the early morning. The Rock Wall Trail, actually an old road, is a moderate consistent climb up to the rim along what looked like an old road. I didn't see any rock wall except the two that were lining the road at two creek crossings. I guess these rock walls are what the trail is named after. There are no spectacular views from this trail, just a get down to business and get to the top trail. Once on top it is a typical Mogollon Rim road through the forest. Glad I had my GPS because there are a lot of side roads up there. I picked roads on the top that would get me over to the Pine Canyon Trail with a minimum of hiking along Highway 87. Worked good for a while but eventually I had to resort to walking along the highway to avoid ravines that butted up against the road. Took a short break at the junction with Lake Mary Road. Continued on along 87 to a forest road that leads to the Pine Canyon Trail Head.

I did not know what to expect for the Pine Canyon Trail, thought it might be in bad condition. Surprisingly it is in very good condition with well laid out switchbacks. It appears to have been manicured recently because much of the brush has been cut back off the trail. Really nice views both up and down Pine Canyon. Once down in the canyon it is a couple mile walk along the Canyon Bottom to the Bear Foot Trail junction. It is very scenic along the canyon floor and the 2 miles went by fast. It was hard to get photos along this section because it was still in the shade and you are in the middle of it. Kind of like can't see the forest for the trees. I ended up just enjoying the mental images I captured. At the junction with the Bear Foot Trail I continued on down the Pine Canyon Trail for a tenth of a mile or so to my turn around point of a previous hike on the Pine Canyon Trail from the other end.

I took lunch at the junction with the Bear Foot Trail. I had the other half of the Subway sandwich I ate yesterday. This is a really nice area where these two trails meet. It was rather dry because the ferns were on the verge of turning brown. Filled up my canteen at the creek that had a light flow. After a half hour break I started back on the Bear Foot Trail.

I was dreading the hike back along the Bear Foot trail because I knew it would be hot. Luckily there was a little cloud cover for much of the hike. It also sprinkled a little but all this did was make it really muggy. This trail is not real scenic but there are a few good views along the way. I ran into a couple of elk at the water tank. I spooked them up and they took off up the hill a little way and then stopped and looked back. I told them I was just passing through and not to run up the hill any further, it was much to hot for that. They stayed where they were and I took some pictures and went on my way.

I don't know if it was just because I was hot and tired and my boots that just got resoled were causing my feet agony but this trail with it's long meandering switchbacks was irritating. There is one loop in this trail that is over .2 miles long that can be avoided if you go up 4 feet over a slight rise and 30 feet later you are back on the trail. Do not know what the purpose of this loop is. Maybe there is a great view there that I missed. Anyway this is a nice fairly easy trail to get to Pine Canyon Creek even though it is long. The only other option is the Pine Canyon Trail and it is equally long (minus the aimless meandering). I have been wanting to do this trail for some time but next time I will take the Pine Canyon Trail. I did notice that some have taken this trail from the neighborhood below near the water tank, this would cut 4 miles off the trek. Not sure if there is trail head parking in the residential area or if you have to know somebody.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Arizona Sister Butterfly

Medium flow

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Aug 09 2019

jochal

Guides 2
Routes 25
Photos 1,890
Triplogs 604

41 male

Joined Sep 13 2009
Mesa, AZ

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Aug 09 2019
		jochal • Triplogs 604

Hiking	9.50 Miles	1,500 AEG

Hiking	9.50 Miles	3 Hrs 30 Mns	2.85 mph
	1,500 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

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Nice walk through the trees. Started an hour after sunrise, which gave me plenty of shade for going uphill.

I followed the official route, although the official route doesn't quite match the guide. The route turns north on 9367R, and stays on it til 87, while the guide continues on 608. Will have to try the full 608 version later.

On the way back, I took a couple off trail diversions, one down in the direction of Corner Tank (though I didn't go all the way to the tank) and one trip over to the rim from the intersection of 608 and 9367R, to check out Pine Canyon. From my spot, I could see the North part of the canyon. Beautiful views.

Some fresh bear scat, a coyote sighting, a rattlesnake encounter, and lots of birds.

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Nov 24 2017

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Bearfoot-Rockwall-Pine Point, AZ

Hiking		Nov 24 2017
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	12.56 Miles	2,293 AEG

Hiking	12.56 Miles	5 Hrs 22 Mns		2.50 mph
	2,293 ft AEG	20 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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Bearfoot Trail #13

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Two goals for the day.

Get out to Peak 6979 and Pine Point to check out the views and find the old BSA Trail, "The Wise Trail" and attempt to follow it.

Bearfoot Trail to Rockwall 608 to get up to the top. Next on 9388D until it faded out. From hear an easy .6 mile to Peak (Bump) 6979. A short walk past this you are on the rocky rim. Sweet views and what appears to a future goal of a cairned route down. = :next:

[ youtube video ]

Back up 9388D to where I'd penciled in where I thought the Wise Trail would be, if it existed. After searching the area where it looked like you could potentially get down, I stumbled on the trail sign the Scouts had made, as well as one of their metal tags hanging from a tree. The way down was not obvious from here. Being solo and losing light, I decided it was smart to save this for another day, from the bottom, up. I made my way back down the Rockwall Trail, to my awaiting ride.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

2 archives

Aug 29 2015

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Strawberry Canyon & Mountain Loop, AZ

Hiking		Aug 29 2015
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	17.83 Miles	3,458 AEG

Hiking	17.83 Miles	9 Hrs 55 Mns		2.18 mph
	3,458 ft AEG	1 Hour 45 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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Strawberry Mountain 6813

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The_Eagle

Strawberry Canyon
The first 2.5 miles was the highlight of the day. Bruce spotted a hunter tree stand after a mile. I climbed it and a herd of about 20 elk passed nearby. We continued on an nearly returned to nature road until it petered out. The canyon got better with each step. A trickle flow of water on occasion. Rock obstacles and cascades made it nicer than anticipated. Turning right into the upper origin it just got nicer. Unfortunately travel became more of a hassle than either of us desired. We took a steep ascent up to a ridge then onto the road. It was a workout but figure we saved 1-2 hours. We had shade until exiting the canyon, the temps picked up quick.

Rock Wall Trail #608
Time flies! Five years after a group hike with Jim, SleepyKyle and Chris we returned to the fabled land of mystery. Not the 111 degrees in the Valley but the oven was set to broil so we utilized the umbrellas walking down memory lane.

Pine Strawberry Trail #15
A popular trail today for pre-riders of the Fire on the Rim Race coming Sept 12th. Looks like it has received some maintenance over the years too. Shocked this one doesn't see more triplogs. The upper portion is very nice. Less and less shade on the bottom two thirds but nice views and the trail is in great shape.

Strawberry Mountain
Get permission before attempting the loop we hiked. Outstanding views overlooking Pine.

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- joe

Aug 29 2015

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Strawberry Sampler, AZ

Hiking		Aug 29 2015
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	18.40 Miles	3,600 AEG

Hiking	18.40 Miles	9 Hrs 55 Mns		2.16 mph
	3,600 ft AEG	1 Hour 23 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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https://youtube.com ... pNtI

Strawberry Mountain 6813

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joebartels

Joe put together a winner here. :y:

Starting from the Strawberry TH located just north of Pine, we crossed Rt87 and made our way for Strawberry Canyon. This was a big unknown, but what a total gem it turned out to be. I found a couple of tree stands in the area and Joe decided to climb one to pose. As he was up there, a herd of 20+ Elk ran past us, just 100 yards out. We could hear them bugling up canyon from us for awhile.

We took our time and enjoyed the sweet canyon views :next:

https://youtube.com ... 5Co8

At the second major branch in the canyon, we took the right fork. The canyon started getting a lot more choked with debris. We went up and around one 20' slot and finally made the call to try to make up some time by getting out of the canyon. It was a steep climb out and we had to dodge much Manzanita, but once we hit Coconino County, the traveling became much easier.

We hit up a couple of forest roads making our way over to the Rock Wall #608 (aka BC Trail). Been a few years since we'd been on this one, with the gang that helped name the trail. Kyle the Heartless, Stealers Wheel, Bright Lights Lyding, Joe Joe the Wonder Chimp, and yours truly. Mare Czinar, who writes a hiking column for the AZ Republic, hiked this trail April 22, 2015, and referred to it as the Rock Wall Trail. So I guess the name is now official!

Next it was back over Rt 87 to hop on the Pine-Strawberry Trail. This trail is being primped for the upcoming "Fire on the Rim" MTB race. There were a few out making practice runs. It got a little warm on this section, but there were storms a brewin' all around us. We got lucky enough to be under pretty much full cloud cover the the remainder of the hike and w/o any rain

A bit of a road walk/climb to get around the southwest of Strawberry Mountain, we followed what appeared to be old and faded logging roads almost all the way to the non-existent "Peak". (Make sure to get the proper permissions from the property owners before attempting to climb the mountain from this side). The views to the East from on top of Strawberry Mountain towards Pine were pretty darn nice :next:

https://youtube.com ... mBiA

All that was left was the steep scramble Down/Up/Down back to the truck.

Lightning Storm over Apache Junction on the way home. :next:

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Striped Whipsnake

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

	Strawberry Canyon	Light flow	Light flow
	Plenty of pools to filter from

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

1 archive

Jul 24 2015

kingsnake

Guides 116
Routes 337
Photos 11,399
Triplogs 894

63 male

Joined Dec 20 2010
Sunnyslope, PHX

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 24 2015
		kingsnake • Triplogs 894

Hiking	9.87 Miles	1,274 AEG

Hiking	9.87 Miles	3 Hrs 29 Mns	2.83 mph
	1,274 ft AEG

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Started from larger parking area about a quarter mile north of the official trailhead, on the west side of the road. Plenty of parking there. No facilities though. Followed Trail #15 south, crossing AZ 87 through a large gap in the fence. At the official trailhead, there is wire-wrap gate, but just north a few yards, on top of a small rise, is a normal gate. I used that. I hate trying to get the wire loop back over the pole on wire-wrap gates. :oplz:

There is no foot trail. It is all old jeep trail. (Or, wagon trail.) It is rocky until you get up over the rim, in about three miles, but the rocks are flat, not ankle breakers, so you can make good pace. I actually jogged bit on the way back down. : rambo :

Though not a trail runner, I think Rock Wall Trail #608 would make a great trail run: Decent elevation gain (800 feet in three miles, most of that in the first two), decent surface, at an elevation that makes your lungs work a bit more.

Found something called the "Bear Foot Trail", which ... uhh ... bears further exploration. *ba-ding-TISH!!!* :app:

Thank you, thank you, try the veal, don't forget to tip your wait staff ...

I met a local along the way who told me #608 is the original road from Strawberry to the top of the Rim, before AZ 87 was built. The ascent is mild, the road well graded (especially originally), and great care obviously taken in safety features such as the fill & retaining walls. With but one exception (possibly washed away), every drainage is crossed with a culvert & fill to maintain grade. Pretty cool from an engineering stand point.

A little bit past the max elevation (~7050 ft.), I turned west on FR 9367R 1.5 miles to AZ 87, where I had a snack. I spent 40 minutes on a tree stump, filming cars, hoping for some decent footage of a sufficiently large truck to end my video with. (Because it just seemed like a good idea to contrast that against the older road. :-k

)

The Wall: youtu.be/1PkDfNsUPhQ

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Manzanita

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cag Shot HAZ Food Unknown VV Triangle Marker

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http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored.

1 archive

Oct 20 2010

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Oct 20 2010
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	3.50 Miles	1,050 AEG

Hiking	3.50 Miles	59 Mns	3.56 mph
	1,050 ft AEG

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I did this as a lunch break hike while working in Strawberry. This was a nice little hike to the top of the Mogollon Rim up a forested canyon, that felt secluded despite being near highway 87. Skies were partly cloudy when I began, but a thunderstorm appeared over the Rim by the time I reached Fuller Spring. I continued up through ponderosa pines and coconino sandstone until I reached what seemed like the edge of the Rim at the 6700 foot level, where I turned around amid ominous clouds and thunder. Got down in 20 minutes, and never did get rained on. Thanks for posting this hike Jim, I enjoyed it.

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

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Jul 25 2010

JimmyLyding

Guides 111
Routes 433
Photos 4,307
Triplogs 788

51 male

Joined Feb 16 2007
Walnut Creek, CA

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 25 2010
		JimmyLyding • Triplogs 788

Hiking	4.00 Miles	1,136 AEG

Hiking	4.00 Miles	2 Hrs	2.00 mph
	1,136 ft AEG

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Sorry for this trail's name. I had another idea, but it was shot down by our fearless leader.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Jul 25 2010

Tough_Boots

Routes 67
Photos 2,708
Triplogs 755

89 male

Joined Mar 28 2008
Phoenix, AZ

Oak Walnut Strawberry Salad AZ, AZ

Hiking		Jul 25 2010
		Tough_Boots • Triplogs 755

Hiking	13.70 Miles	2,800 AEG

Hiking	13.70 Miles	6 Hrs 40 Mns	2.06 mph
	2,800 ft AEG

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	DarthStiller	JimmyLyding
	joebartels	The_Eagle

Okay, I'll go with the generic salad on this one. We did a shuttle starting at the Pine TH and took the Oak Creek Trail to Hardscrabble Road. We then hit trail #15 up to the Strawberry TH and then cut down the 87 to what Jim has figured out to be FR608T (an old jeep road). I had a great time meeting some of the HAZ crew.

Trail #15 turned out to be a nice little gem of a trail with great views over pine and the few people we saw on it were worth having conversation (or at least making jokes) about. I think most of us expected a flat, barren stretch of trail due to the seemingly lack of use, but we were pleasantly surprised.

FR608T was the real pumpkin of the day for me but worth getting up. The first stretch is rocky and steep as all get out and my lungs tried to tell me "no." Letting the crew go on with out me, I took a nice rest on a rock for 20 minutes and continued up. Pretty soon the road turns less rocky and into a more comfortable climb taking you into pine areas with a few really amazing views. This road is getting a new name by the crew and I personally vote for Jim's first idea but I don't think that one will win out.

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Jul 25 2010

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Oak Walnut Strawberry Salad, AZ

Hiking		Jul 25 2010
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	13.75 Miles	2,800 AEG

Hiking	13.75 Miles	6 Hrs 38 Mns	2.07 mph
	2,800 ft AEG

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	DarthStiller	JimmyLyding
	The_Eagle	Tough_Boots

This was much better than anticipated!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mexican Hat

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

_____________________

- joe

Jul 25 2010

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Oak Walnut Strawberry Salad, AZ

Hiking		Jul 25 2010
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	13.80 Miles	2,908 AEG

Hiking	13.80 Miles	6 Hrs 28 Mns	2.13 mph
	2,908 ft AEG

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Walnut Trail #251

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	DarthStiller	JimmyLyding
	joebartels	Tough_Boots

I really enjoyed this hike more than I expected. Jim got us up to the Strawberry TH (unmarked, at the 270 mile marker), where we met The Stillernator, aka Stiller, aka Chris, Tough Boots, aka Kyle, and set up the shuttle back to the Pine TH.

The first bit until you get to the Bradshaw Meadow Watershed Project was a bit bla, but then there was some great terrain and views. Not that tough of a hike but enough to get a workout. Views from Trail #15 (the Strawberry-Pine Trail from what I've been able to find) were pretty darn nice. Blue skies and Big white puffy Fraley's were a welcome site. We took a bit of lunch at the Strawberry TH and then started the journey across Rt 87 to what is now known as Rock Wall Trail 608T. This is an old jeep trail that starts at Rt 87 and cuts off some distance going north to meet Rt 87 once again. Someone put a bunch of work into this route building 20' tall rock retaining walls on the inside corners of the switchbacks in at least 5 different places. I was impressed. But then again I'm easily impressed. This trail had one rocky section that was a bit hard on the feet after a day of hiking, but it didn't last long.

A great day of hiking with new partners Chris (Stiller) and Kyle (Tough Boots minus the Beard).
Equally great to see and jab with Jim again and thanks for driving! (Beware of the gas station breakfasts)
Joe-Joe as always great hiking w/ you.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Golden Flowered Agave

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Horned Lizard Teva

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Throwing a Wendy

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jul 25 2010

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Jul 25 2010
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	13.00 Miles	2,400 AEG

Hiking	13.00 Miles	5 Hrs 4 Mns	2.57 mph
	2,400 ft AEG

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