Hell's Gate Trail

Hell's Gate Trail is an out and back trail that leads into Hell's Gate Wilderness and crosses Tonto Creek. This is a primitive, rugged and remote trail with no loop options. Most users treat it as an out and back from the North or South ends down to the creek before making their way back the way they came in. Lots of climbs and descents on this trail making it feel longer than it is. Trail surface may also be rocky and steep in some sections. Users should take caution when traversing this trail and have sharp backcountry navigational skills.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

10.1 miles in length with roughly 2,300 feet in elevation change.

For those who want to traverse end to shuttling would be required with a minimum of two-hour drive time between each TH. Note that forest roads used to access both TH's may not be suitable for passenger cars and may require high clearance. The Norther section of this trail starts at a motorized trail (MT-893). Users that don't wish to drive on the motorized trail will need to park at the TH off of Forest Road #405A and add 1.5 miles of hiking to their trip.

An out and back hike from the Norther trail start down to Tonto Creek makes for a 14 mile hike.

Use of any mechanized or motorized travel is prohibited on this trail. No more than 15 people are allowed to be in a group. No more than 15 head of livestock are allowed in a group.

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

Official start from the North is along MT-893 at 34.267169, -111.140381

Directions

Directions to the Northern start of the trail: From Payson take AZ-260 East 11 miles to Forest Road #405A. Continue on 405A .6 miles to small pull out along the road. No official trailhead. Users will need to follow MT-893 South for 1.3 miles before coming to the official start of the Hell's Gate Trail.