Cozy Bear Cottage - your guide to Christopher Creek
Food scene
Landmark at The Creek
1177 Christopher Creek LoopBeautiful patio, live music, and great food.
Creekside Steak House and Tavern
1520 E Christopher Creek LoopGreat food and drink. Try the onion rings!
Rim Country BBQ
202 West Main StreetBest BBQ in the area.
Sightseeing
The only Rim lake with boat rentals and a bait shop.
69 locals recommend
Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina
The only Rim lake with boat rentals and a bait shop.
Hiking
A bit difficult to find the trailhead off the highway, but worth it. Parking coordinates are 34.31724° N, 111.06246° W. Walk approximately 0.5 miles along the road (behind barrier) and you will reach the trailhead. Helpful comments on finding parking and trailhead can be found on AllTrails.
Box Canyon Trail
Box Canyon TrailA bit difficult to find the trailhead off the highway, but worth it. Parking coordinates are 34.31724° N, 111.06246° W. Walk approximately 0.5 miles along the road (behind barrier) and you will reach the trailhead. Helpful comments on finding parking and trailhead can be found on AllTrails.
Parking coordinates are 34.33351,-110.94387.
Enjoy this 3.7-mile loop trail near Forest Lakes, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Woods Canyon Lake Trail
Woods Canyon Lake TrailParking coordinates are 34.33351,-110.94387.
Enjoy this 3.7-mile loop trail near Forest Lakes, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Parking coordinates are 34.34007,-111.09545.
This trail follows treads along Horton Creek past waterfalls and winds through magnificent stands of pine. The parking area can be found just past upper Tonto Creek campground, look for the hiking sign pointing to the start of the trail. There is poor/no cell reception here so downloading the map beforehand can be helpful to get started and to navigate the intersecting trails in the area.
From the parking lot the trail heads gradually up along Horton Creek with many waterfalls. The last mile has some significant elevation gain as it climbs past Horton Springs into rim country. Great area to combine other trails to form a loop hike – many will tag on Highline Trail #31 and Derrick Trail #33 for a nice loop.
14 locals recommend
Horton Creek Trailhead
Nf-289Parking coordinates are 34.34007,-111.09545.
This trail follows treads along Horton Creek past waterfalls and winds through magnificent stands of pine. The parking area can be found just past upper Tonto Creek campground, look for the hiking sign pointing to the start of the trail. There is poor/no cell reception here so downloading the map beforehand can be helpful to get started and to navigate the intersecting trails in the area.
From the parking lot the trail heads gradually up along Horton Creek with many waterfalls. The last mile has some significant elevation gain as it climbs past Horton Springs into rim country. Great area to combine other trails to form a loop hike – many will tag on Highline Trail #31 and Derrick Trail #33 for a nice loop.
Parking coordinates are 34.33607,-111.01405.
The trail starts near and crosses Christopher Creek, proceeds through some nice forest, and for the last quarter follows the south fork of Christopher Creek until See Spring, which provides a tributary stream to the creek. If there has been recent rain, recommend boots and/or long pants due to muddy conditions.
See Spring
Parking coordinates are 34.33607,-111.01405.
The trail starts near and crosses Christopher Creek, proceeds through some nice forest, and for the last quarter follows the south fork of Christopher Creek until See Spring, which provides a tributary stream to the creek. If there has been recent rain, recommend boots and/or long pants due to muddy conditions.
Parking coordinates are 34.30707,-110.95151.
Steady incline and fantastic views. Lots of shade. Great hike for a workout. Highly recommend!
Military Sinkhole
Parking coordinates are 34.30707,-110.95151.
Steady incline and fantastic views. Lots of shade. Great hike for a workout. Highly recommend!
Fishing
The 60- acre lake is stocked about once a month from April through September.
8 locals recommend
Bear Canyon Lake
The 60- acre lake is stocked about once a month from April through September.
Christopher Creek
Tonto Creek
Traveler advice
What to pack
Don't forget something to wear if it spontaneously rains!
Evening storms are common, particularly in late summer and fall. Enjoy the beautiful weather from the covered porch!
Getting around
Nearest stores are in Payson
Christopher Creek is approximately 20 minutes east of Payson. Grocery, hardware and other stores are approximately 20 minutes away. However, a Creek convenience store is set to open Fall 2022.