DIRECTIONS

NORTH on BEELINE HIGHWAY (87) to the city of Payson, Arizona. Make sure you have at least a quarter tank of gas at this point; Payson is your last gas stop, as well as the last stop for reasonably priced groceries. The largest intersection in Payson is at the junction of Route 260 and Highway 87. Set your odometer to zero (0). THE ODOMETER SETTINGS ARE IMPORTANT, AS THE ROADS ARE NOT MARKED VERY WELL. Stay on 87 through Payson. (Pass Swiss Village; pass Airport Rd.)

1.8 miles north (2-3 minutes) of the 260 intersection, TURN RIGHT (EAST) ONTO HOUSTON MESA ROAD. This road intersects 87 just as the Highway narrows from four lanes to two; there is a turning lane. Re-set your odometer to zero (0). Once you turn onto Houston Mesa Road, it is also called Rim Road 199. You will be on this road for a total of 10.3 miles. Do not veer left toward Mesa del Caballo. Pass the Houston Mesa General Store (at 1.9 miles). You will cross the East Verde River three times (actually going through it two times). The signs read "Do not cross when flooded", but there's always water in them. Cars can cross without problems unless it's spring thaw or heavy monsoon season.

After the third crossing, you will come to the town of Whispering Pines and the only stop sign in town (10.3 miles after you turned off Highway 87). Re-set your odometer. Turn LEFT at the stop sign onto SERVICE ROAD 64, (a graded, gravel road) following signs to "Washington Park Trailhead".

Six-tenths (.6) of a mile past the stop sign, turn RIGHT onto SERVICE ROAD 32 (there is a street sign at this intersection re-naming the two roads "Control Road" and "Rim Trail Road") and re-set your odometer. This road is pretty much a straight shot (for a curvy mountain road), but at 2.4 miles, there is almost a "Y" intersection; veer left toward the mailboxes. At 3 miles, 32 veers left again.

Follow Service Road 32 toward "Washington Park" signs but pass the turn-off for "Washington Park Trailhead". One-half mile (.5) past the "Trailhead" turnoff sign, turn LEFT onto the small winding road. Service Road 32 ends just beyond this turnoff. A wooden sign on the upper right hand side of this road reads "Dead End Road to Private Property". This is a one-lane road with two-way traffic, so please drive slowly and carefully. Stay to the left at the "Y" (heavy equipment stays right). Go through our gate (swings out towards you, so leave enough room to open it) and pass the cabin on your right and the house on your left. Follow the "OFFICE" signs and the road up around to the RIGHT, over cattle crossing; continue to the right as if you're making a U-turn. You should now be facing the main house/office where you'll check in unless you've arranged otherwise.