Houston Loop Trail

The Houston Loop Trail is a shaded hike that shows off the beauty of Arizona’s pine forests. It’s a serene outing that’s easily reached on the edge of town, making it a simple adventure to add to your day if you’re in the Payson area. This hike is easy enough for most skill levels.

Parking in the neighborhood where the trail starts can be a bit difficult. If you can’t find a good place to park that doesn’t block a driveway, you can park at the dog park and walk over to the trailhead. Some users report seeing bear scat on this trail, so bring bear spray and hike in a group if you’re at all concerned about encounters with wildlife. Finally, there can be all sorts of traffic on this route from horses to offroad vehicles, so keep dogs leashed and share the trail.

The footing can be a bit uneven and loose because of washout. Good boots will help. If it’s rained recently, it could be a little slick in some parts. You can do the loop either way and the trail is easy to follow no matter which way you decide to go. Have fun!