Washington Park Trailhead
Escape to a lush oasis with the East Verde River, a historic railroad tunnel, and scenic mountain views. A perfect day trip near Payson, AZ.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Washington Park Trailhead
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to a lush oasis with the East Verde River, a historic railroad tunnel, and scenic mountain views. A perfect day trip near Payson, AZ.
"This spot made me think I wasn't in Arizona anymore."
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell signal is spotty; download maps and directions before you go .
Sturdy Footwear Needed :athletic_shoe:
Trails can be rocky and scree-covered, especially near the tunnel .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
East Verde River
Adjacent to trailhead
Follow the river for a lush, relaxing experience that feels worlds away from Arizona's desert landscape.
Historic Railroad Tunnel
Arizona Trail
Hike to the unfinished railroad tunnel for a glimpse into history and rewarding panoramic views.
Scenic Bridge Views
Near parking lot
A short walk from the parking lot leads to a beautiful bridge offering stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Nature Escapes
Trail Prep & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell signal is spotty; download maps and directions before you go.
Sturdy Footwear Needed :athletic_shoe:
Trails can be rocky and scree-covered, especially near the tunnel.
Pack Plenty of Water 💧
No facilities or water available at the trailhead.
Watch for Wildlife 🐍
Timber rattlesnakes are present in summer; be aware of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell signal is spotty; download maps and directions before you go.
Sturdy Footwear Needed :athletic_shoe:
Trails can be rocky and scree-covered, especially near the tunnel.
Pack Plenty of Water 💧
No facilities or water available at the trailhead.
Watch for Wildlife 🐍
Timber rattlesnakes are present in summer; be aware of your surroundings.
Go Slow on Dirt Roads 🚗
The last few miles are dirt roads with some rocks; drive carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Washington Park Trailhead as a beautiful, accessible nature escape with lush scenery and a refreshing river. Many appreciate the free access and the opportunity to explore historical elements like the railroad tunnel. While generally well-received, some note the lack of facilities and the need for caution on certain trail sections.
"Went on a weekday and had plenty of parking. Enjoyed the free range cows along the way. Some said, the rocks were slippery at the end on the way to the unfinished railroad tunnel, but a better explanation is scree, which is small loose rocks and sand that give loose so you need to use your hands and scramble and place your foot intentionally on solid rock. It’s only 40 to 50 feet at the end. Just take your time and you’ll be fine."
David Zahn
"Hiked the Colonel Devin Trail 290 from Washington Park Trailhead. No facilities or water available. This is a 4 mile out and back moderate hike. At a leisurely pace, it took me 3 hours. ArizonaHiking.org (Railroad Tunnel via AZ trail) says this trail gains 1,000 feet elevation to the Tunnel. It crisscrosses the East Verde River through the forest, which is easy going, lush and full of nature sounds - very relaxing. For beginners, when you can no longer hear the water and the trail becomes more steep and rocky, this might be the time to turn around! I turned back just beyond the RR Tunnel 1/4 mile sign and didn’t attempt the last steep section of the trail. I’m not sure what the typical weekend crowd is like since I hiked on a Friday, but I only came across about five groups of people, so it was the perfect nature escape for me!"
Holly Behr
"I found this hike to be very nice. Water ran along the trails. There is a historical story with the area. Wildlife everywhere. But if you hike during the summer, watch out for timber rattlesnakes. They like to hide in the rocks."
Benjamin Baggett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located near Payson, AZ. While most roads are paved, the final ~3 miles are dirt roads with some rocks. Drive slowly and watch for signs; your GPS might try to direct you straight instead of turning towards the park.
Yes, a regular car can access the trailhead, but go slow on the dirt road sections as there are some rocks that jut up.
The parking lot is small, with about 15 spots. It can fill up, especially on weekends, so arriving early or on a weekday is recommended.
No, there are no restroom facilities available at the trailhead.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, parking and access to Washington Park Trailhead are free.
The trailhead is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official posted hours, but it's best to visit during safe daylight times.
No advance booking is required as it's a free public access point.
Yes, the trailhead is accessible year-round, but weather conditions can affect trail accessibility and safety, especially in winter.
No specific permits are required for day hiking from this trailhead.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Colonel Devin Trail and the Arizona Trail leading to the unfinished railroad tunnel are popular choices. Many visitors also enjoy exploring along the East Verde River.+1
The hike to the unfinished railroad tunnel via the Arizona Trail is roughly 5.3 miles round trip and can take about 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace, depending on your fitness level and how much you stop to enjoy the views.
Trails like the Colonel Devin Trail can have an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet.
No, there are no facilities available at the trailhead, so be sure to bring everything you need.
Expect lush forests, the East Verde River, scenic bridges, and panoramic mountain views. It's a beautiful escape that doesn't feel like typical Arizona.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic bridge, the East Verde River, and the views from the Arizona Trail leading to the railroad tunnel are prime photography locations.
Yes, you can get nice scenic views of the river and bridge with minimal walking from the parking area.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the lush greenery and river, while late afternoon offers golden hour light for mountain vistas.
The unfinished railroad tunnel offers a unique historical element for photos, and the diverse flora and fauna provide ample subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families include bringing plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes, and keep a close eye on children, especially near the river and on uneven terrain. The free access and beautiful scenery make it an accessible and enjoyable outing for a family day trip.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Day-Trippers
Weekday visits are ideal for a more solitary experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a historical element, the Arizona Trail leads towards an unfinished railroad tunnel. This section of the trail involves more elevation gain, around 1,000 feet, and can become steeper and rockier towards the end.
It's important to note that cell service is unreliable in this area, so downloading offline maps and trail information is highly recommended before you set out.
Wildlife and Nature
Visitors should be aware of the local wildlife. During the warmer months, timber rattlesnakes are known to inhabit the rocky areas, so it's crucial to stay on marked trails and be observant of your surroundings.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles during your visit. Pack out everything you pack in, stay on designated trails to protect the environment, and avoid disturbing wildlife. This ensures the natural beauty of Washington Park Trailhead can be enjoyed by future visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit