As it is getting warmer in Phoenix we have to get further north for our weekend hikes. This time we decide on Payson to explore an unnamed loop trail from the Phoenix Street Trailhead. As the trailhead is at the end of a road it is always problem to find parking but since we’ve been here last time there is more space and we have no issue finding a spot and on we go.
While the trail is unnamed that does not mean it is unmaintained. In fact it even has bridges in multiple places, quite unexpected.
Right at the start of the trail near a riparian area we find a few brave American Robins who really do not care about us.
As the loop starts in earnest we exit the cover of pines and walk on the plateau with some great views. But unfortunately that means we are walking in the blazing sun and even here it is quite hot unfortunately.
Soon we pass an area that we dub the alien landing site due to many unexplained rock constructs. There is a large circle made of white stones that supposedly is here for years, multiple arches held by nothing by air, quite spooky.
There are quite a few flowers along the trail especially with the manzanitas in flower everywhere.
After about two miles the trail enters a beautiful boulder area, there are quite a few great photo opportunities here as we explore the interesting rock formations.
Almost all the cacti here are in flower with some beautiful colors. We especially like the red flower cacti that are common here.
With that many flowers the butterflies and insects are out in force. We see quite a few buckeyes, hairstreaks and have an encounter with the damaging (to the plants) cabbage aphid.
As we explore the trail we stop to find multiple caches some of which can be quite innovative. We especially like the eagle one, nice camouflage!
One of the formations that draws our eye throughout the hike is a hammer like rock formation, which you could argue is also alien built. We climb close to it where we find a small enclave full of flowers and hidden from direct sunshine. It is a great place to have a snack break and enjoy the great weather and beautiful flowers.
There are quite a few birds that we see along the trail besides the Robin at the beginning. Most of them are quite skittish with the exception being the jays who are curious or indifferent to us.
After about 5 miles and more than 6 hours, we really took a lot of breaks, we arrive back at the parking lot. It was a great hiking day even though it is getting warm even at this altitude, maybe next time we need to go even higher in the mountains.
