Railroad Tunnel — Attraction in Payson

There are two enterances near this trail. Take the entrance with the labeled sign and the electrical lines running down the path, not the fence enterance. Once you go on the trail stop at the 2nd electrical pole and go over the wash to the left of you. This leads to the correct trail that is WAY safer and not as steep down to a 4 way crossroad. Do not go all the way down the electrical pole trail it is WAY too steep and dangerous. We’re a group of 24 year olds and we kept falling. Once we got to the crossroads we were unsure of which way to go, as there were 4 different trails and you can’t see any sign of the tunnel. We thought someone played a prank and switched the signs bc one of the signs was on the ground, but it was correct. Follow the sign, and go straight up. Once you get closer to the tunnel, it is VERY steep and sandy but you won’t even see the tunnel until you reach the top of a fallen tree and hoist yourself up and over the trunk. Very dangerous trail and definitely not for kids. We only found out about going over the wash at the 2nd electrical pole from the other experienced hikers we met at the tunnel, who we followed back, and we then realized...

A great, relatively easy hiking trail. Beautiful views along the trail and from the top where the rail tunnel is. The trail signs are incorrect, however, people have scratched arrows onto the signs leading you in the correct direction. Follow those arrows - if you don't, you will not make it to the rail tunnel. The trail is mainly in a forest, and a small stream winds close to the trail, and you will encounter several very small waterfalls. Take a water purification straw if you have one - the water is cold and very good. The trail is a great place to see wildlife - I've seen tons of small rodents, birds, insects, lizards, snakes (including a rattlesnake), and the remnants of deer and elk. The trail is not very well-traveled, but there will likely be at least a few hikers on the trail at any given time. Cell service is very limited or nonexistent. Note that the rail tunnel is not actually a tunnel - it is a cave. It does not go all the way through the mountain. The hike is relatively easy, and there are no steep parts or...

I parked at Washington Park Trailhead and followed the trail from there. It follows a small stream that you'll cross several times, the first there are small bridges. Once you cross on your own, you'll be on a dirt road that has power lines running along the west side of it. Stay on the dirt road until you see a small sign that points the way to the tunnel, crossing the stream one more time. It's easy to lose the trail at this point, but it's there and starts to climb the face of the slope, switching back a few times. Follow the trail and you'll get to another sign that points the way to the Railroad Tunnel (left). You'll end in a very rocky ravine with fallen trees and sand. Here is where you'll have to climb up to the entrance of the tunnel. It's a bit strenuous but...