Visiting Bonita Creek

Directions

I'll assume you are coming from the Phoenix area.  Adjust accordingly.

The address is 271 Myrtle Point Trail, Payson, AZ 85541

Google Maps link

Note:  The easiest way to get to Bonita is to turn right onto 260 once you get into Payson.  You will go through Star Valley...don't go over 45...they love to give tickets.  Then turn left to Tonto Village, and then continue down the control road about 9 miles until you see the road on the right to Bonita Creek.

The drive, in any case, involves some dirt road travel.  Either 6 or 9 miles, depending on which way you come.  But any car can make it; there are well-maintained roads.

Your cell phone map WILL NOT WORK well at all.  Apple Maps preloads routes, so a loss of signal isn't a problem, but other than that, don't rely on it.  It also has a bad habit of sending you through neighborhoods up here in the mountains that make no sense.  So, look at the Google map, and KNOW where you are headed.  

If you get delayed and can't make it here an hour before dark, DON'T COME!!  Once it is dark here...it's pitch black.  No street lights and very few signs.  I've had to rescue way too many people who end up totally lost and disoriented.  Just wait until morning to come, or make sure you come with plenty of daylight to find your way.

And my number, if you get lost, is 480-510-1721
(Note that the mountains have a lot of dead coverage)

Instructions and rules

If you smoke, we panic if you don't stay on the gravel driveway.  It is always tender and dry here, and fires are easy to start.

Water comes from our creek and is precious and limited.  If you take a shower here, please conserve water by turning the water on and off as needed.  Don't let it run.

If you have a special diet, bring your own food and/or drink as needed.  If you don't have a special diet, we always have food.  

Please don't bring animals.  This is wild country here with coyotes, snakes, bears, hawks, and such, and they are always hungry.  And Linda often reacts to animal fur.

And I'll repeat...don't try to come up if it is going to get dark on you.  Give yourself at least 2 hours before sunset as your arrival time, otherwise you WILL get lost in the middle of nowhere.

Images taken at Bonita Creek

And yes, the banner on this page was shot here too.  A big advantage is having the option of water for shoot creativity.