The story goes something like this:

In 1884, the small frontier community once known as Union Park received its first post office accompanied by a new name, Payson.

With the establishment of the new post office, it was necessary to extend the mail service from Camp Verde 52 miles east to Payson. This service could also meet the needs of other postal drops such as Rutherford, Strawberry and Pine as well as delivery to ranches along the route.

This delivery frequently included more than just mail. Items such as drugs, whiskey, dry goods and sundries were also delivered.

Most of the information about the trail available today comes from the last mail rider, Clinton "Tuffy" Peach. Tuffy carried the mail on horseback the last four years of Bud Miller's contract, from 1910 to 1914.

The mail run was 104 miles round trip from Camp Verde to Payson and back. A rider was in the saddle anywhere from 11 to 18 hours at a time. How long a man was in the saddle depended on the amount of mail, whether or not the rider had to go on to Rye, or the weather? The rider would change horses twice in each direction.

Up at 2 am, the rider had his horse saddled and mail loaded shortly after. Breakfast would not be another couple of hours. At the Diamond S Ranch, in the vicinity of Clear Creek today, the rider would change horses.

Changing horses included wiping down the tired horse and saddling the fresh horse. The ranch would provide a meal for him and away he would go. At the Corral, the rider would give himself and his horse a breather.

Today the Mail Trail is open for rides and hikers from the trail head on Highway 260, located between mile posts 239 - 240.

You will start just above Thirteen Mile Rock at the Trail Head and ride up to Mud Tank Mesa. You will then turn south and ride down Mud Tank Canyon and into Mud Tank Draw. The first two miles are very steep. At the bottom of the canyon, at a place the riders called "The Corral," the mail rider would meet up with someone from Childs to pick up their mail. A few old posts from the Corral were still standing in 1990.

From the Corral, you will followed Fossil Creek west over and around Nash Point, over a shallow saddle between two hills before dropping down into Strawberry Valley.

From there, the trail went east along Strawberry Valley, south down Strawberry Hollow and under Milk Ranch Point into the community of Pine. The trail then followed Sycamore Creek, which is repeatedly crossed into Payson.

This area is marvelous country, full of secrets, beautiful valleys and ridges. There are desolate places, quite and tranquil, and full of history especially when you picture yourself riding along imaging that you are carrying the mail as the many riders did from 1884 to 1914.

Turn back the clock of time; delved into the history of Cavalry and American Indian and the settlers. Come prepared for a rough ride that will test you and your horse, but the rewards will also be worthwhile. This is a ride that must be experienced.

There is no reason you can't hike this well-maintained trail. Wear a hat and carry plenty of water. Follow the trail markers which are rock carrions; some will have the wrought iron mail trail signage.

Afterward visit and enjoy the Town of Camp Verde and its many shops, restaurants, and attractions like Montezuma Castle, Out of Africa - a wild life park, Cliff Castle Casino, Fort Verde State Park, and many other events.

Contact

Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce
928.567.9294
www.visitcampverde.com