How to Explore the Arizona National Scenic Trail in Pine, Arizona

The U.S. is home to many famous trails among avid backpackers. Some of the longest ones recognized by enthusiasts are the Pacific Crest Trail on the West Coast and the Appalachian Trail on the East Coast. Among the great backpacking and hiking trails in the country, a new rising star is on the stage: the Arizona National Scenic Trail, also known as the Arizona Trail.

Designated a National Scenic Trail in 2009, the Arizona Trail runs 800 miles from the state’s northern border with Utah to the southern border with Mexico. Through-hikers aiming to tackle all 800 miles of the trail will enjoy seeing the variety of beautiful environments present in Arizona, from the Saguaro cactus-laden desert the state is known for to breathtaking mountains and forests.

If you’re not up to spending months hiking the entire trail, you can experience a portion of it as a day hike in Pine, Arizona. The small town, located in the Mogollon Rim region of the Tonto National Forest, contains the Pine Trailhead, a stop along the trail.

The Pine Trailhead features a variety of routes to explore in the area. One of those routes, Passage 26: Highline, is a 23.9-mile stretch of the Arizona Trail. According to the Arizona Trail Association, the first 17 miles follow the Highline National Recreation Trail, while the remainder of the distance turns onto the Mogollon Rim itself. The trail offers stunning views of the local countryside, including the pine trees for which the town is named.

Hikers exploring Passage 26 may even see peaceful views of running water, complementing the beautiful, forested landscape. Even if you don’t explore the full stretch of Passage 26, it’s well worth hiking even part of it for an unforgettable experience in Arizona’s local natural beauty.

Whether you’re on a day hike or through-hiking the entire Arizona Trail, Beeline Guest House is happy to be your spot to stay nearby while exploring the area. Located just a three-minute drive from the Pine Trailhead, Beeline Guest House offers clean rooms with Southwest-inspired decor and hot showers to clean up after a long, rewarding day of hiking. For those through-hiking the Arizona Trail, we also offer free transportation to and from the trailhead to help you rest up more before you continue on your way.

Reserve your room online or learn more about us using our contact form. We wish you safe journeys to Pine, and we can’t wait to be your home base for all the area’s hiking adventures.