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The Boulders Loop Trailhead
4.1 ★★★★☆ 75 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Boulders Loop Trailhead'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.
What runners say about The Boulders Loop Trailhead
“Very cold but very beautiful and the cave was icy right now and very cold in there but an epic adventure and site worth seeing.”
“Tons of good mountain views mixed with shaded creek walking.”
LOVED this hike! It was smooth walking the majority of the time with short steps over a beautiful creek. Driving there, We followed google maps to this trailhead. About 2 miles before arriving to the road, it turns to dirt. My Civic did just fine, just took it slow.
I live nearby here; mostly locals to Payson know about it. I have met a few valley folks that know this is the nearest Pines to Mesa; some take MTBikes back here too; keep your eyes open!
The Boulders Loop Trail is my favorite trail in the Payson Area Trail System. It’s easily the most scenic trail in the Payson area. Although it’s rated as a moderately difficult trail, it’s easily hiked at a leisurely pace.
The boulder loop trailhead is a wonderful trail to do when it not to hot outside. Maybe you can try it when there some snow but probably be to cold and to icy in winter. It is also a great place to take pictures if that's some you like to do.
Trail conditions & character
“Very cold but very beautiful and the cave was icy right now and very cold in there but an epic adventure and site worth seeing.”
“The boulder loop trailhead is a wonderful trail to do when it not to hot outside.”
“May be easier to start on Cypress Trail, but no parking on Granite Dells, where you can pick up Cypress Trail.”
“There were lots of dogs on the trail and The trail was really beautiful.”
“Tons of good mountain views mixed with shaded creek walking.”
“If you lose the trail, keep walking West, look for the markers; WELL MARKED but you have to be looking for them long after you start walking, and cross the giant washes.”
Plan your run at The Boulders Loop Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitehikearizona.com
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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.
Houston Mesa Nature Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
First Crossing Day Use Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Hiking area with a picnic spot and a creek.