Mail Trail

Description:

• The Mail Trail drops steeply into the canyon of the fossil springs Wilderness and affords good views into the upper reaches of the canyons that make up the Wilderness. This trail lies within Fossil Springs Wilderness and motorized and mechanized equipment (including bicycles) are prohibited.
  This trail can be reached by following the rock cairns that start near the east side of the parking area. From the top of the Mogollon Rim the trail drops into the Fossil Springs Wilderness. This trail used to be the route followed by the Mail rider, who would start from Camp Verde at 2:00 in the morning and reach Payson at 2:00 in the afternoon. A rider would meet the Mail rider near the bottom of the canyon and take the mail destined for the workers at the Childs Power Plant and those working on the flume that diverted water from the springs to be used for power generation. The trail is easy to follow in the upper reaches, but becomes indistinct as it passes through a grassland before turning north and crossing a small drainage. Look for the rock cairns that mark the route in the grassy section. The trail continues parallel Fossil Creek and crosses Mud Tank Draw before turning east and crossing the usually dry bed of Fossil Creek. The trail continues parallel to the creek for the last time. The trail passes through the extremely lush and varied riparian area created by the permanent water that the springs provide. The springs pour out over a million gallons of water an hour, creating an incredibly diverse oasis that provides required habitat for over 30 species of trees and shrubs and 100 species of birds.