Babe Haught Trail
Table of contents
Babe Haught Trail is one you can do again and again. This short, sweaty trail near Payson offers a panoramic vista from its summit atop a mesa, making you glad you persevere through every rocky step. You can either hike this route as-is or continue further to nearby Knoll Lake, a great place to camp for the night. Bring plenty of water on this hike and pack your poles and sturdy boots.
Route Description for Babe Haught Trail
Babe Haught Trail is a hike worth adding to your list if you like panoramic viewpoints and a bit of hard work. You’ll need to work hard to reach the edge of the mesa where the viewpoint is, but you’ll be glad you did, especially if you time your hike for the changing colors in the fall.
When you reach the top of the mesa, you can turn back where our route ends or continue further to Knoll Lake, a fantastic place to dip your feet or set up camp for the night. There’s a trail to the lake that’s easy to follow.
From the trailhead, take Babe Haught Trail #143 and immediately begin to switchback up the mesa. This trail doesn’t let up until you’re at the top, so keep grinding through the switchbacks as they intensify the higher you go. Poles and good boots will be helpful here. Cresting the top of the mesa, turn around to gaze over this wonderful portion of the Tonto National Forest before either continuing to the lake or beginning your descent.
Getting to the Babe Haught Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Babe Haught Trail is on Forest Road 289.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Babe Haught Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Military Sinkhole, Rim Lakes, and Highline Loop
Tonto National Forest
Highline Trail #31
Tonto National Forest
Derrick Trail
Tonto National Forest
See Spring Trail
Tonto National Forest
See Canyon and Drew Trail Loop
Tonto National Forest
Drew Trail via Highline Trail
Tonto National Forest
Military Sinkhole Trail
Tonto National Forest
See Canyon Trail
Tonto National Forest
Horton Creek, Highline, and Derrick Loop
Tonto National Forest
Horton Creek Trail
Tonto National Forest
Box Canyon Trail
Tonto National Forest
Box Canyon Trail
Mount Rainier National Park