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Barnhardt Trail #43 (Eastern Terminus)
4.6 ★★★★★ 132 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 16.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Barnhardt Trail #43 (Eastern Terminus)'s own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic hiking area featuring waterfalls, plus rock formations and views of the valley.
What runners say about Barnhardt Trail #43 (Eastern Terminus)
“You should always go in the springtime, when the water is flowing down the mountains, it's gorgeous, but anytime of year will do.”
“The rock formations have amazing colors and it is by no stretch and easy trail with quite a bit of elevation gain/loss and a mostly exposed route.”
it was a nice incline (about 2300 elevation gain) good work out very easy trail to follow clean and define a lot more shade then expected (u still need to bring plenty of water ) the weather was great at 80 degrees so not super hot but not super cool either...not much water today ...
beautiful trail beautiful area I would highly recommend this if you're a very good hiker it's a little bit moderate to hard very Rocky if you're ankle turning person this might not be the trail for you when you follow the all trails map all the way to the back climb through the rocks to see the waterfall
Trail was in good shape and very little traffic. The trail is rocky and narrow in some places, and had good elevation gain. If you are wearing shorts expect some scraped legs. Water crossing the trail, or running down the trail in some locations. Some areas near water are lush. Great views.
Nice trail into the Mazatzal Mts. The trail is about 6 mi long, and a couple thousand feet of elevation gain, to a junction with the Mazatzal Divide Trail. There is a nice waterfall (depending on spring snow melt and/or rain) about 4 miles up called Big Kahuna Falls which makes a nice destination if you don't want to…
Trail conditions & character
“There is a nice waterfall (depending on spring snow melt and/or rain) about 4 miles up called Big Kahuna Falls which makes a nice destination if you don't want to go long.”
“The rock formations have amazing colors and it is by no stretch and easy trail with quite a bit of elevation gain/loss and a mostly exposed route.”
“5 mile loop) only BECAUSE the last 4 miles or so are WAY TOO ROCKY not very enjoyable too worry about breaking an ankle lol trail #23 was awesome though!”
“there are no services at the trailhead except for parking and the road in does not require high clearance but there are some big rocks and possibly ruts to avoid.”
“Conversely, a hiker can combine the Barnhardt Canyon trail, Mazatzal Divide Trail, and Y Bar Trail for an all-day loop (about 16 miles) of AZ mountain fun.”
“Conversely, a hiker can combine the Barnhardt Canyon trail, Mazatzal Divide Trail, and Y Bar Trail for an all-day loop (about 16 miles) of AZ mountain fun.”
“Pretty good incline, would say moderate to hard depending on ur hiking level and physical condition.”
Plan your run at Barnhardt Trail #43 (Eastern Terminus)
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance16.2 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Payson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cypress Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with a variety of trails that lead to scenic views.
