Diamond Point Lookout ATV Ride

Diamond Point Lookout ATV Ride

Our neighbors here in Payson, Arizona love to go on quad rides with us but since they prefer smooth trails we decided to take them up to Diamond Point Lookout. They absolutely loved it!

Diamond Point Lookout is on the Tonto National Forest and was built in 1936. It may be open to visitors during some parts of the year. Contact the Forest Service for more information.

To get to Diamond Point Lookout from Payson, follow Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) through town and take a right on the Houston Mesa Road (199). You will pass Mesa Del Caballo and the Shoofly Indian Ruins. Continue on 199 until you get to the Pyeatt Draw Road (198). We usually park and offload our quads somewhere right around here.

The 198 road follows alongside beautiful Ellison Creek. The 4X4 and Jeep clubs love to drive around in the creeks and trails in this area. If you catch them running the creeks, stop and watch them, it?s really pretty interesting. I still prefer my quad though.

Follow 198 until it merges with the Control Road (64). Take a right on the Control Road. Continue on the Control Road and make a right onto the 65 road. This is also the entrance to the Diamond Point Recreational Residences. Follow the 65 road until you come to the gate of Diamond Point Lookout. When we went the gate was closed and we could go no further. We had to look at it from a distance. Bummer.

As you are driving closer to Diamond Point Lookout stop and take a break once in a while, walk around, and see if you can find some Diamond Quartz Crystals. I have found some nice smaller pieces that have been exposed to the surface after a heavy rain. At one time digging for the diamonds was allowed but I believe that it might have been banned or restricted to certain times of the year. Always check with the Forest Service before digging or breaking rocks or you may end up with a hefty fine.

This quad ride is great for people who like smoother rides and has the advantage of great scenery and awesome mountain and canyon views. You may even see elk and deer if you get out early enough. Robert and I had a cow elk run right in front of our quad on the 198 road. It just came right out of the thick manzanita bushes. It would not have been a pretty site if we had hit her. Keep your eyes open and be aware!

If you have any questions please email me and I will try to answer them. I hope everyone enjoyed this ATV photo essay and can someday use the information and enjoy the places that we have enjoyed. Arizona has some awesome country!!! Please share with us the places that you?ve been.