Railroad Tunnel: A Historic Hiking Destination
Explore a piece of Arizona's history: Hike to the abandoned Railroad Tunnel in Tonto National Forest near Payson.
Hike through the Tonto National Forest to discover the Railroad Tunnel, an abandoned 1880s mining project spearheaded by James W. Eddy. Though the railway was never completed, the 70-foot tunnel and surrounding scenery offer a unique glimpse into Arizona's past.
A brief summary to Railroad Tunnel
- Payson, Arizona, 85541, US
- +1602-252-4794
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be rocky and steep in places.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the hike can be strenuous.
- Consider visiting in the spring or fall for the most pleasant hiking weather.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for trail markers, as some sections can be faint or ambiguous.
- Take time to explore the old stone powder house near the tunnel entrance.
Getting There
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Driving
To reach the Railroad Tunnel, start by heading north from Payson on Highway 87. Turn right onto Houston Mesa Road (NF 199) and follow it for 10.1 miles through Whispering Pines. The road will turn to well-graded dirt. Turn right onto FR32, continue for 2.8 miles, and then turn right again at the sign for Washington Park Trailhead. Make a quick left and drive the final mile to the trailhead parking lot. There are no fees for parking.
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Hiking
From the Washington Park Trailhead, locate the Arizona Trail sign. Follow the trail, which initially runs along the East Verde River. After approximately 0.7 miles, turn right onto a closed dirt road. Continue for 0.2 miles to the second junction and stay right as it crosses the creek. Hike another 0.4 miles to a signed junction for the Railroad Tunnel. Turn right and hike 0.1 miles to another signed junction, staying right again. The final 0.25 miles to the tunnel are steep and rocky. This hike is about 4 miles round trip.
Discover more about Railroad Tunnel
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