Christopher Creek
With an elevation over a mile-high (5,640 ft), Christopher Creek Campground’s crisp, fresh air and vibrant views are a joy to behold. The facility is tucked along the banks of the spring-fed Christopher Creek, which passes just below the Mogollon Rim. Besides camping, the grounds are also used as a day use area.
The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as “muggy-own,” is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft in elevation. The unique landscape was created by extreme erosion and faulting that has sculpted spectacular canyons and buttes. The rim serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Christopher Creek is located in the desert portion, but is balanced by the cool waters of the creek and forested surroundings.
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Gila
Directions: From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 east for 21 miles to the Christopher Creek Campground turnoff. Take Forest Road for 1/4 mile to the campground.
Latitude: 34.308499
Longitude: -111.037177
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: Day use fee of $8, Tonto Discovery pass, America the Beautiful pass. Camping fees vary, check website.
Best time to visit: April - October
Habitats: Pinyon-juniper Forest, Pine-oak Forest, Pine forest, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
At the eastern side of the campground, there is a trail that goes along the north side of Christopher Creek in the eastern direction. Continue for about a half-mile and Christopher Creek will bend north as it intersects with Hunter Creek and will enter the mouth of See Canyon with it's change in direction.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Acorn Woodpecker, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Painted Redstart
Charismatic: Black-chinned Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Contact Information
Payson Ranger District
Tonto National Forest
1009 E. Highway 260
Payson, AZ 85541
Phone: 928-474-7900
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35563
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2703220
Additional Resources:
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