Box Canyon adventure and swimming holes East of Payson

Escape the Valley heat and join us for one of the most rewarding and underrated canyon adventures in central Arizona.

Tucked in the Ponderosa Pine forests below the Mogollon Rim, Box Canyon delivers an alpine escape with cascading waterfalls, slot-canyon scrambling, and cool swimming holes at the bottom.

The other attached photos were taken when we hiked with Box Canyon on May 27th.

The water was muddy due to a recent rain but
usually it is clean and should be when he hike.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: VERY IMPORTANT

I have completed Box Canyon twice. It is beautiful and lots of fun, but you need to know exactly what to expect before signing up.

The Technical Requirements:

• Climbing/Scrambling: You must have done a little scrambling, bouldering, or climbing as we will be scrambling - just a little is fine.
• The only trial is the hike down and up from the canyon.

The Obstacles: There are two specific 8-foot climbs we must negotiate. One requires using a rope to assist you to the top - rope is all ready there. The other requires climbing a log that has foot cutouts notched into it.

• Swimming & Water: Scouted this route on May 27th. There are three deep pools where the water has collected, and we will have to swim. The longest swim is about 30 feet.
• Gear: Because of the swimming sections, you should bring a dependable dry bag or heavy-duty garbage bags to waterproof your backpack and gear.

Pace & Mindset: Total time in the canyon is about three hours. While we could move faster, the goal is for us to enjoy the beauty and take a few photos.

As your host, I am supportive and encouraging—I don’t mind waiting or working together to help someone navigate a tough spot or find a way around it.

Unsure? If you have any questions or doubts about your physical ability to handle this terrain, please message me directly before signing up!

DID YOU READ THE ABOVE.

Logistics

• Meet: Power Road Park & Ride, 3055 N Power Road, Mesa, AZ — meet under the bridge
• Drive to trailhead: ~1.5 hours
• Trailhead: Box Canyon Trailhead:[ https://maps.app.goo.gl/o4UDTrWb1knKhYs77](https://maps.app.goo.gl/o4UDTrWb1knKhYs77)
• Type: Round trip
• Distance: ~3 to 4 miles
• Elevation: ~600 feet down and 600 feet up
• Difficulty: Strenuous — good fitness required
• Target return: Back to Park & Ride by 3:00 PM (this is an estimate — things happen, so please don't schedule anything right after)

What to Bring

• Hiking shoes/boots with solid traction that you do not mind getting wet
• Trekking poles
• Plenty of water + snacks/lunch
• A dry bag or waterproof bag for your phone/valuables (I am bringing a dry bag. If you do not have a dry bag please consider a garage bag.

Liability Notice
The trip organizer is a volunteer, not a professional guide or first-aid provider. Participation is at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety and that of any guests. Staying with the group is strongly encouraged. By signing up, you acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for yourself and agree not to hold the organizers or volunteers liable for any injuries or incidents.