The rugged country along the Mogollon Rim was once roamed by Geronimo and the site of many a skirmish between the Apaches and the U.S. Army. Today, the Rim running through the Tonto National Forest contains a great area for hikers, bikers, and horsemen that want to traverse steep, rocky trails. Visitors will find challenging trips for the day or extended packing adventures.

The backbone of the area is the Highline National Recreational Trail, an historic route established in the late 1800s to link various homesteads and ranches under the Mogollon Rim. In 1979 it was designated a National Recreation Trail. The Highline Trail provides 51 miles of spectacular views as it traverses the steep country just below the rim. It begins at Pine Trailhead on Highway 87 and ends at Two-Sixty Trailhead on Highway 260.

Trails from the Highline to the top of the Rim are generally steep and rugged, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet.  The trail is in and out of canyons, along a "high line" on the Mogollon Rim where the climb to the top of the Rim becomes vertical.  Hence the name of the trail.  The trail can be very rocky for long stretches. There are several water crossings, and allot of downed trees to climb over. However, the rewards are magnificent views, cool canyons and fulfillment of your masochistic needs.  The trails within the Highline National Recreation Trail Area do not meet Forest Service standards for wheelchair accessibility and although wheelchairs are allowed, their use is not recommended.

The Dude Fire of 1990 burned over 21 miles of the Highline and associated spur trails from Washington Park Trailhead to Hatchery Trailhead.  An additional fire in 2001 also burned this area.  These trails are open. However, expect no shade on this section and some downed trees.  You should plan on three or four water bottles in the burn area please be aware of hazards such as falling snags, burned out stump holes, and unstable footing

The trail is well marked now with permanent metal diamonds, thanks to volunteer efforts over the last few years. Trail marking this year will include utilizing the Highline trail symbols on metal stakes at questionable areas.  Trail markings with metal stakes will always be on your right.  If you do not find markings on your right, please retrace your steps and correct your direction.  Please look at the trail enhancement project this race is undertaking to allow further improvements to the condition of the trail and reduce the opportunity for people to become misdirected on the trail.

Trail Description:

Pine Trailhead to Geronimo: From the trailhead, the trail is very flat for the first mile to the junction with the Pine Canyon trail #28. From the junction, the Highline trail climbs a finger ridge that extends from Milk Ranch Point for the next mile and a half. This is a long climb on a slippery section of trail.

After cresting the ridge, the trail descend gently toward Red Rock Trail and Red Rock Spring (3.5 miles from the trailhead). From Red Rock Spring (reliable) the trail passes through an open area that is overgrown with scrub oak and manzanita. This area is quite warm. The open area lasts for 2 miles until you reach Pine Spring. The area around Pine spring is lush and green. The spring is reliable.

From Pine Spring the trail descends through more scrub oak and occasional clumps of pine and pinyon. Approximately 6.5 miles from the pine trailhead, the trail enters a pine forest and continues its descent to the Geronimo Trailhead. At the trailhead, you will cross Webber Creek in an area that has wild raspberries growing.

The Highline trail continues for 43 more miles past the Geronimo Trailhead.

Washington Park to Geronimo: From the Washington Park trailhead, the trail meanders through some lovely pine and spruce forest. After .5 mile the trail crosses a jeep road for some power lines. Do not turn here, the trail continues straight ahead. The trail then continues for another .25 miles to a private road along Mail Creek. Cross the road/creek and continue. From the road the trail climbs long and steady to a fence line.

After the fence, the trail alternately climbs and descends for the next 8 miles. Some of these areas are quite exposed. Along the way you will cross several creeks.

After approximately 9 miles you will come to Bear Spring. Water is available here. From Bear Spring, the trail climbs briefly and then descends along a ridge line for the next 2 miles to Geronimo Spring.

Washington Park to FR 144: Trail description is not complete for this area.  This area marks the beginning of the Dude Fire area. This area was devastated in 1990 and has not fully recovered.

FR 144 to Tonto Fish Hatchery: Trail description is not complete for this area. This area continues to be a portion from the Dude Fire area.

Tonto Fish Hatchery to See Canyon:

The Highline trail continues east from the fish hatchery and climbs and climbs and climbs. Although the grade is moderate, the length of the continuous climb will challenge you.  It then crosses several ridges before dropping down into Horton Spring.  This is a good source of water. The trail then makes one more climb to Horton Creek.  From the creek, the trail turns south and descends for quite a while to the Derrick Trail.

Turn left at the junction with the Derrick Trail and proceed 4 miles, the trail then passes in and out of some open areas. The views here are good.  The trail then descends rapidly for 1 mile to the See Trailhead.

See Canyon to 260 Trailhead:

From the Drew Trail #291 trailhead, 4 miles remaining on the trail, stay right for the Highline trail, the trail meanders through pine and spruce forest. The going is quite easy.  This is the easiest section of the 51 mile long Highline Trail.

From See Canyon you begin a gradual up and down section to the Drew Trail #291.  There is no water anywhere along this trail