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Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ

4.5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ'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.

Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ — running trail in Payson, AZ, photo 1
Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ — running trail in Payson, AZ, photo 2
Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ — running trail in Payson, AZ, photo 3
Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ — running trail in Payson, AZ, photo 4
Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ — running trail in Payson, AZ, photo 5
LoopOpen 24h

What runners say about Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (13 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Chasing the sunset in Payson on Stewart Ridge. This is about a 2.7 mile loop and I parked a bit more up the road on Gibson Court. A true Arizona sunset. Persiguiendo el atardecer en Payson por la cresta de Stewart. Esta es un círculo de 2.7 millas y me estacione up mas arriba del la calle por la Gibson Court.

★★★★★ — Arturo , Aug 2023

We hiked Stewart Pocket Extended Trail (Alltrails) and the views were spectacular. 4.6 miles to complete the loop.

★★★★★ — Arthur , Aug 2024

its ok but their is another trail toward the mountain that is the best trail in the area

★★★★☆ — Stephen , Dec 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 13 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“7 mile loop and I parked a bit more up the road on Gibson Court.”

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Plan your run at Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitehikearizona.com

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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Boulder Creek trail , Payson, AZ

E Phoenix St, Payson, AZ 85541

Get directions

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

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Payson, AZ

LoopShadedScenic

Kid-friendly hiking area with a variety of trails that lead to scenic views.

under a mile away

The Boulders Loop Trailhead

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LoopShadedScenicDog-friendly

1.7 miles away

American Gulch Loop Trail

4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews

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6 miLoopMixedDog-friendly

2.3 miles away

Houston Mesa Nature Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

Payson, AZ

3.6 miles away

Peach Orchard Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews

Payson, AZ

Natural surfaceShadedScenic

3.6 miles away

First Crossing Day Use Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews

Payson, AZ

ShadedLitScenic

Hiking area with a picnic spot and a creek.

8.1 miles away

All running trails in Payson, AZ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.