South Fork Deer Creek Trail

The South Fork Deer Creek Trail is an intrepid hike that provides a truly remote, far-from-it-all feeling. It’s secluded, quiet, and quite impressive. Between the Mesa area and Payson, it’s not difficult to reach. The downside of this route being so remote is that it’s not always maintained the whole way through. Bring some clippers and wear long pants to cut down on scratches.

This hike doesn’t have too much shade, so we recommend avoiding it in the summertime and bringing lots of water no matter what time of year you visit. A hat and sunscreen are also good to bring if you’re visiting on a sunny day. In the spring, there’s a nice balance between weather and the foliage coming alive from the rain.

From the trailhead, you’ll take trail #46 (on the right of #47, don’t stay left by accident), keeping left where #45 splits off on the right. You’ll climb up into the canyon, with a consistent grade throughout most of the hike. The route ends at the junction with FR 201, where you can turn back and retrace your steps.