Length: 2.5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Managing Agency: Coconino National Forest

Journal: "Rain Rain Go Away" and "Mrs. Verley's First Birthday"

**Kid Friendly Hike**

From Payson go north on SR 87 to Clint's Well. Turn NW on FH 3 and go 7 miles to FR 81. Go south on FR 81 to FR 81E (stay left). Continue S on FR 81E for 2 miles to an unmarked primitive road. This is FR 9366M. Follow 9366M for 1 mile to the cattle guard. Park along side of the road. The trail begins at a large cairn on the north. In dry weather this trail can be accessed by a sedan. However, in wet weather, FR 9366M can be impassable to even 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Trail Description:

From the trailhead follow along a fence in a heavily logged area. This section is very flat and quite boring. After .4 miles you will reach a gate. Go through the gate (close it) and follow along a side canyon as you descend to the creek. The trail in this area is nearly non existent. Look for some cairns that we set up. When you get to the creek, cross it and the trail then climbs out the other side of the canyon.

This trail is very gentle in grade. Willow Canyon is very remote with sheer walls. The trail ends in a large park.

Return the way you came.