Home › Arizona › Payson › First Crossing Day Use Area
First Crossing Day Use Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from First Crossing Day Use Area'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.
Hiking area with a picnic spot and a creek.
What runners say about First Crossing Day Use Area
“Beautiful clean spot for picnics and a nice relaxing day near the creek.”
“On top of the beautiful scenery and fishing, first crossing has long trails to hike along to make up for a fun day or afternoon!”
“The area has plenty of shady spots and access to trails for light hiking and exploring.”
“Whether you’re looking to cool off in the water, enjoy a peaceful picnic, or take a walk along the river, First Crossing is a hidden gem worth visiting!”
DON'T FORGET TO BUY YOUR DAY PASS!! You have to purchase your day pass at the machine which is located right before Shoofly Ruins. But it's a nice calm spot next to the creek. No hiking required. Great place to bring toddlers, and maybe enjoy a picnic in the shade. FYI - There IS a bathroom here.
It was peaceful and pretty. We should have read the bulletin board. We didn't realize that there was a fee for the day until we came back to the car and found a notice on the windshield 😑. It is only $10.00 tho and you either write a check or put it in the envelope provided. There is a box Dropbox to put it in.
Very nice hiking trail. It isn't marked but it's easy to find your way because it follows the creek. There are a lot of nice places for a picnic lunch along it. I don't think this trail gets much traffic, so it's usually pretty secluded. It's close to Water Wheel trail, which is a very popular place.
This place has two sides to it one trail leads you down to the bridge the other leads you down a path to the creek. Beautiful area to wander around.
Trail conditions & character
“On top of the beautiful scenery and fishing, first crossing has long trails to hike along to make up for a fun day or afternoon!”
“Arrive early to get a good parking spot and bring cash for the $10 fee.”
“A beautiful spot with easy access to water for wading, a clean bathroom.”
“The area has plenty of shady spots and access to trails for light hiking and exploring.”
“The area has plenty of shady spots and access to trails for light hiking and exploring.”
Plan your run at First Crossing Day Use Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 928-474-7900
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 883 reviews
Short riverside hike with some rock scrambling to reach a waterfall, popular for family day trips.
Houston Mesa Nature Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
Cypress Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with a variety of trails that lead to scenic views.