HOLIDAY CLIMB TO THE RAILROAD TUNNEL

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VIA WASHINGTON PARK TRAIL

In 1883, a very optimistic mining engineer by the name of Colonel James Eddy had the vision of carving a 3,100-foot railroad tunnel near the natural break in the Mogollon Rim, rising a couple miles in elevation from the basin of Washington Park. In his endeavors, he raised funding to start the project -- the Arizona Mineral Belt Railroad -- which would financially help the economy by connecting Flagstaff to Globe. Flagstaff would be able to transport lumber goods to Globe by railroad cars, thus creating a larger marketing area and Globe would be able to return the railroad cars full of minerals harvested from the mines, saving the transport fees of wagon hauling to Flagstaff.

Perfect! Until the funding fell short and the solid rock of the crest of the Mogollon Rim became an overwhelming obstacle in making the tunnel a lucrative endeavor. Hence, after approximately 100 feet of excruciating work, the 3,100-foot vision became a 100-foot cavity of a failed dream which still exists today, barely visible in the crest until a hiker stands within feet of the high entrance.

Don and I love to hike. We walk approximately four miles every day to stay in shape. We planned a nice day hike one Sunday to climb up Washington Park Trail to see this striking remnant of a yesteryear’s dream. The temperature in Payson was 52 degrees with the potential of a high of 64. Great! I put on my hiking tennis shoes and my sweatshirt. I am ready to hike!

Perfect! Until Don asked, “Where is your big coat?” What? Do I need a big coat? Reluctantly, I go get a warm winter jacket with a hood and load in the truck. I am ready to hike!

Perfect! Until Don asked, “Where are your hiking boots? There may be streams to cross and even snow at the top. It’s hard to hike with wet, cold feet.” What? Do I really need hiking boots? Reluctantly, I exchange my comfortable sneakers for two pairs of socks and my hiking boots. I am ready to hike!

Perfect! Until Don says, “I am packing a backpack of water, snacks, matches, a flashlight and I think I should carry my gun for protection.” What? Do we really need all this? Reluctantly -- thinking perhaps we are overly preparing -- I stuffed chocolate candies down the outside pocket of the backpack (a hiker needs to prepare for those weak ‘I need a piece of chocolate moments’).

Finally, FINALLY!!! We are ready to travel to Washington Park Trail.

Washington Park Trail is located northwest of Payson: Traveling north on Highway 87, turn right on Houston Mesa Road (Forest Service Road #199), travel approximately thirteen miles, turning left on Forest Service Road #64. Drive one half mile before turning right on Washington Park Trail which is Forest Service Road #32. It is approximately five miles to the trailhead. These last two roads are curvy, dirt roads; caution should be taken if driving in inclement weather.

The scenery is indescribably breathtaking. Even before starting the trail, the tall Ponderosa pines and scrub oak make one want to breathe in the purity of the pristine beauty of the Tonto National Forest.

As we start the hike in the bottom of the canyon, a north wind sends bitter chills. Wait! I think I need my big coat. Thank goodness, my gloves from last year are in the front pockets. Glad I was prepared!

The trail winds through the forest with the unsurpassed magnificence of very tall pines, spruces and gentle streams. The sounds of running stream water over and through the forest’s countryside invites the hiker to pause and listen to nature’s grace. And there are strong signs of wildlife. Elk prints and scat, a large tree squirrel and even the glimpse of a white tail doe are undeniably intriguing.

As Don and I start our ascent up the gradient, craggily side of the Mogollon Rim, a sign states it is one and three quarters miles to the train tunnel and another half mile to the top of the Rim, Rim Road 300. We are ready! The trail is quite well maintained until turning on the Tunnel Trail. The last eighth of a mile of the trail is a very steep climb, plagued with the presence of sandstone rocks which may have shifted during the last storm.

Yep! There is snow! And wait! What are those prints in the snow? Don very casually says the prints are those of a mountain lion. What? Thank goodness Don has a way of protecting us should any unwanted approaches of a mountain lion ensue! Glad we were prepared!

The beginning of the tunnel of the Arizona Mineral Belt Railroad is carved on the side of the prestigious splendor of the Rim rising high above the canyon floor, with miles and miles of

Ponderosa beauty stretching in the valley below, yielding to the blue mountain scape of the Mazatzal Wilderness in the distance. Walls of an old sandstone cabin, destructed by the hands of time is evident to the right of the entrance of the tunnel, perhaps the home of the workers in 1883. And sadly, evidence of modern-day graffiti is painted on the tunnel’s carved sides for a few feet. But then the tunnel becomes very dark as it progresses into the mountain side.

Wait! I think we need a flashlight. Don digs into the backpack, finds the flashlight and shines light into the abandoned railroad tunnel. No mountain lion! No bats! No harmful threats! Glad we were prepared!

After bathing in the beauty on the side of the rugged terrain, we decide to ascend the other half mile to the very top of the Rim, to Forest Service road #300. As we are climbing, the snow is getting deeper, now probably at least two to two and half inches in depth. Watching my footing on the snow, I am thankful for my two layers of socks and my hiking boots! Thank goodness I was prepared! And thank goodness I have a cautious hiking buddy!!!

As we descended from the trail, we stopped to breathe in the gorgeous terrain; a perfect time to refresh energy with a chocolate candy. Definitely, a little bit of heaven! Life just can’t get better than this!

Just some words of caution: Please know your health limitations as the climb is very, very steep in places. Take water, matches, flashlights, and warm clothing, especially when hiking in the winter months. Always, always prepare by watching weather predictions. Inclement weather on the Washington Park Trail poses a possibility of very dangerous situations.

Just some words of inspiration: This trail is a spectacular, magnificent trek through stunning, peaceful beauty. Enjoy every step! Breathe in the glorious peace of nature! Happy Holidays to you and yours! Blessings!