Mail Trail No. 84

Area Status: Open

The Mail Trail was first traveled by Yavapai-Apaches who later guided pony soldiers on it from Fort Reno to Fort Verde in as early as 1869.

The trail was dedicated on Sept. 9, 2006 after volunteers and forest service employees mapped the trail and build rock carins and placed kiosks at trailheads.

This is a long, hot, dry, and strenuous trail. Ten miles long, the trail drops 1600 feet from Hwy 260 into the normally dry Fossil Creek a mile above the springs. It meets up with the Bob Bear Trail (formerly Fossil Springs) #18 up-canyon from the springs.

A Historic Perspective - Contracted Riders from First Mail Trail: A history of the trail and includes a link to a presentation about the restoration and dedication of the Mail Trail.

At a Glance

Open Season:	Year-round
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Camp Verde and Strawberry, AZ
Operated By:	Red Rock District 928-203-2900

General Information

General Notes:

Rating: Strenuous. This is an advanced trail. Good route finding and map reading skills are required.

Use: Light

Season: All year. Snow may be present in winter.

Hiking time: 5 hours one-way.

Notes: No reliable source of water. Bring your own. A survival-pack might be appropriate. Hot in summer, and cold in winter - dress accordingly. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Directions:

Location: Southeast of Camp Verde (approximately 20 miles east) on Hwy 260 (mile marker 239)

GPS (Map): 34°29'15.1"N 111°35'49.5"W

Maps

The Digital Travel Map Whether you're driving, hiking, riding, or exploring, you will find this full-color, GPS-enabled map a handy reference to have on your mobile device. The map show trails, recreation sites, major landmarks, and forest roads.
Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF)
- Strawberry (342211130)

Access: From I-17, drive east on Arizona State Route 260 approximately 21.5 miles. Turn right onto FR 9247B. Trailhead parking is on the left, the trailhead is on the right.