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Colonel Devlin And Railroad Tunnel Trails
Tonto National Forest
Mogollon Rim north of Payson
Highline National Recreation Trail system
Overview: Lots of history here, folks! Indian skirmishes and an attempted railroad tunnel. In 1883, 42 men labored all summer trying to boar a tunnel through the Mogollon Rim. They didn't succeed.
With spectacular views, tall pines, majestic firs, quaking aspens, and lush green ferns, how can you go wrong? The Devlin, and Railroad Tunnel trails, are part of the extensive Highline National Recreation Trail system.
Directions: From Mesa take SR 87 north to Payson. Remain on SR 87 through the towns of Pine and Strawberry, the Rim Road (FR 300) is on the right side of SR 87 approximately 20 minutes from Strawberry. Take FR 300 12.2 miles east to the General Springs sign on the north side of FR 300. The Col. Devlin Trail (TR
290) begins on the south side of FR 300. The Railroad Tunnel Trail is 1/2 mile
down the Devlin Trail. The Rim Road is unpaved, with washboard in spots, but
does not require a 4x4.
Length: This trip will take a full day. The drive from Mesa to the Rim Road is roughly 2 hours. To reach the Col. Devlin Trailhead add 20 to 30 minutes. The hike will take approximately 2 hours, including breaks, photo opportunities, and time exploring the tunnel. Total time.
Trail: Narrow, single-track, loose rock in spots.
SEE MAP
Complete hike: 1-2 hours.
Rating: Most Difficult.
Elevation: Over 7,000 feet
Scenery: Very scenic. Pines, spruce, firs, aspen and a lot of wildlife.
Season: Year-round, but the Rim Road will close during heavy snows.
TR 290: Col. Devlin Trail / Rating: Most Difficult / Length: 2 miles
TR 390: Railroad Tunnel Trail / Rating: Most Difficult / Length: 1/4 of a mile
Camping Information: Go to Great Campsites Tonto NF (see areas 4 & 5)
Contacts
Tonto National Forest:
Payson Ranger District: 928-474-7900
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
Map
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