The Trail / All 28 Segments / Rye Creek
Segment 1 of 28

Rye Creek

Payson → Jakes Corner · 25.4 mi · Gila County · Tonto National Forest

Route preview: Rye Creek segment map from the existing AZAT My Maps layer.

Overview

Rye Creek runs between Payson and Jakes Corner in Gila County, from the junction of FR 406 (West Doll Baby Road) and FR 511 to the junction of FR 184 and SR 188. The alignment threads Tonto National Forest, crossing the Rye Creek drainage past Wonder Gulch, Willow Spring Canyon, Weymouth Flat, Sorghum Hill, Bishop Knoll, Haycox Mountain, Black Mountain, and Bee Canyon, with wide views across rolling foothills and piñon-juniper/ponderosa country.

Terrain

Gravel & Rock Two-Track Embedded Rock & Ledges Washboard Steep Grades Crosses SR 87

This segment is primarily a gravel and rocky dirt two-track, with embedded rock, small boulders and ledges, washboard, and a few steeper grades. It crosses SR 87, and a high-clearance 4WD/OHV is recommended for the rock steps, erosion cuts, and potential washouts after storms.

Amenities

Food Fuel Lodging Water Restroom Medical Parking Repair

Full services (fuel, food, lodging, supplies, and OHV repair) are available in Payson. Jakes Corner offers limited services (bar & grill, RV options), and Gisela provides vacation-rental lodging with access to nearby hiking, camping, and Tonto Creek recreation.

Safety
  • Extreme heat & flash flooding at this elevation
  • Dust, loose rock & open-range livestock
  • Use caution at the SR 87 crossing
  • Carry water, recovery gear & reliable navigation

Points of Interest

Gisela Ruins·Jim Jones Shooting Range·Hellsgate Wilderness Area·Tonto Creek·Jake’s Corner Ruins·Roosevelt Lake·Mazatzal Peak (7,910 ft)

Gallery

Aerial view of the Rye Creek drainage and trail winding through Tonto National Forest Mountain peak and clouds above the Rye Creek segment Two-track trail through junipers toward the mountains Creek crossing along the Rye Creek segment Aerial view of winding two-track roads on the Rye Creek segment Loaded UTV on the Rye Creek trail Wide valley view from the Rye Creek segment
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