Christopher Creek, Arizona

It says on the Christopher Creek website. "Christopher Creek is for people who want to hear the wind in the high mountain forest, the rushing water of our pristine mountain streams or the bugle of a Rocky Mountain elk." Well, let me tell you, it is even better than that! This piece of vacation heaven just below the Mogollon Rim is about 120 miles northeast of Phoenix and about 20 miles east of Payson, Arizona.

Close to the amenities of Payson, yet secluded on the edges of wilderness in any direction. Next to the area known as the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world, Christopher Creek embodies everything you would expect in a beautiful place of tranquility where vacationers can get up close and personal with nature. Vacationers flock here to boat, explore the woods, watch for wildlife, hike, horseback ride, fish, and even cross-country ski. The pine-scented air mingles with sounds of rushing mountain streams to enchant all who come for the Christopher Creek experience.

Christopher Creek is the ideal vacation destination for travelers looking for pristine scenic beauty coupled with a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy. Also known as Known as "Zane Grey" country, Christopher Creek holds the beauty made famous by the author and it continues to enchant both residents and vacationers alike. At an elevation of 5,900 feet, Christopher Creek boasts fabulous temperatures throughout its four-season climate. This comfortable climate attracts Arizonans throughout the state, but the beauty of the region is known throughout the world.

While Christopher Creek's sister communities of Payson, Pine, and Strawberry offer considerable charm as well, Christopher Creek provides its special brand of Arizona hospitality in a slow-paced environment that pays homage to the scenic beauty that colors the entire area.

Christopher Creek Campground.

Christopher Creek Campground is just east of the town of Christopher Creek off Highway 260. There are 43 fee-based camp sites covering both sides of the creek which is stocked with rainbow trout. A group campsite accommodates 25 campers and is available by reservation only. Call the Payson Ranger Station at (928) 474-7900 to reserve camping sites. A campground host is on site everyday. The sites include picnic tables, cooking grill and campfire rings. Drinking water and toilets are available. Firewood is offered for sale.

The Christopher Creek Canyon Trailhead is about 3 miles east of the campgrounds and provides access to the Highline National Recreation Trail. The creek features 3 swimming holes. Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Creek Lake are about a 10-minute drive from the campground off Highway 260.

Mogollon Rim Country

The Mogollon Rim is actually the southern edge of the great Colorado Plateau. This rugged escarpment extends roughly two hundred from New Mexico's border across two-thirds of Arizona creating a breathtaking landscape known for its forests and magnificent two-thousand feet drops. Vacationers will revel in all the sight-seeing opportunities the rim affords. Most of the rim lies between 4,000 and 5,000 feet above sea level allowing for a comfortable climate that low-lying Arizonans love to take advantage of, especially during the hot summer season in the desert communities.

The rim is characterized by dramatic cliffs and canyons. Its slopes are lush with flora and dotted with fauna like elk and deer. The sweeping landscape is a hiker's paradise and is well-known for its challenging terrain. Many vacationers come to this area of the rim to enjoy the various lakes and reservoirs such as Willow Springs Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, and Blue Ridge Reservoir. Fishing is a welcome activity in the area surrounding Christopher Creek, AZ.

More Information.

Mogollon Rim Visitor's Center
At A1 Fulton Point across from
Forest Road 300 turnoff from
Arizona Highway 260.

Christopher Creek Arizona

• Payson Ranger Station
• 1009 East Highway 260
• Payson, Arizona 85541
• Phone (928) 474-7900

Directions To Christopher Creek.

From Phoenix. Take Loop 202 East. Exit left on Country Club which turns into Beeline Highway (Highway 87). Continue northeast for about 75 miles to Payson, AZ and exit east on Highway 260 for about 20 miles to Christopher Creek.

Christopher Creek Map.