Hike to the Sun Flower Mine

Directions: Take Highway 87 North towards Payson, your going to turn left on Forest Rd 627 which is approximately .6 miles past mile post 222. Your going to drive 1.2 miles and then make a right on Forest Rd 201 and then turn left in 1,3 miles on Forest Rd 25. I parked at a campsite where Forest Rd 25 meets Sycamore Creek. On the way to the mine we hiked along and in the creek and it eventually intersects with 25A, It wasn't bad but took longer. On the way back we hiked along 25A. The mine and the processing plant are the first road to the left. You can search for Sun Flower Mine on Google Maps. I have a 4wd truck but there are parts of 25A that I wouldn't drive and I'm there to wear the dogs out so I don't mind hiking.

Dog Friendly: Yes, I lucked out, it was 60 degrees and the West Fork of Sycamore Creek was still running. The dogs had a blast and as I write this they're all passed out.

Timbers and the sealed mine tunnel

The Sun Flower Mine (also known as the National Mine) was active from 1913 to the mid-1980s. It was mostly a mercury mine but gold, silver and copper were also mined. What makes this area great is that there is still some of the mercury processing plant still left but unfortunately not as much as there was before the 2012 Sun Flower fire. Beyond the processing plant the actual mine is about 1/2 mile away. All three of the tunnels have been sealed.

One of the sealed mine tunnels of the Sun Flower Mine

Despite the recent fire the hike along the creek was scenic and rugged. The view from parts of Forest Rd 25A was excellent. It was well worth the drive.