Uploaded July 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Join me on a 3 day solo adventure on the popular Highline Trail #31, running East to West just below the Mogollon Rim, north of Payson, Arizona.
The Highline National Scenic trial offers 55+ miles of rugged terrain, beautiful scenery, sore knees, unknown water availability, overgrown trail, frustration and type 2 fun!
I cover all the current water sources: Christopher Creek in See Canyon, Horton Springs, Tonto Creek, Ellison Creek, Bonita Creek, Dude Creek, East Verde River at Washington Park TH, Chase Creek, Bray Creek & Webber Creek. Thanks to recent monsoons, water was abundant, despite the typical July heat and dry conditions.
If you have ever considered backpacking the length of the Highline Trail, I hope this video gives you a good understanding of the terrain features and water sources along the way.
No doubt about it, this is a difficult trail with lots of twists and turns to keep your interest as you zig-zag your way across the lower traverse of the Mogollon Rim. If you are a long distance hiker, comfortable with 20 mile days in the worst conditions, this is a 3 day trip. Otherwise, you will enjoy yourself more if you extend this to 4-5 days - to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the cool, flowing spring water.
I realize this video is a bit lengthy, but I couldn't find a video that showed enough of the trail and water sources to make me feel comfortable about heading out there- so I decided to get a little more thorough and show as much as I could, so anyone who stumbles across this video might be a little better prepared than I was if they decide to give it a shot.
NOTE: As you can see, parts of the trail are very hard to follow, not well marked, and overgrown. I wouldn't attempt this trail without a GPS map, you can expect to lose the trail and spend extra time navigating. As is always the case, be sure to carry enough water to get you to the next reliable water source, so you aren't stuck if a creek on the map is dry. I lucked out with recent monsoons...otherwise, some of the creeks may not be flowing. Be careful, especially in the summer. It was hot, muggy and very challenging out there.
Enjoy!
Join me on a 3 day solo adventure on the popular Highline Trail #31, running East to West just below the Mogollon Rim, north of Payson, Arizona.
The Highline National Scenic trial offers 55+ miles of rugged terrain, beautiful scenery, sore knees, unknown water availability, overgrown trail, frustration and type 2 fun!
I cover all the current water sources: Christopher Creek in See Canyon, Horton Springs, Tonto Creek, Ellison Creek, Bonita Creek, Dude Creek, East Verde River at Washington Park TH, Chase Creek, Bray Creek & Webber Creek. Thanks to recent monsoons, water was abundant, despite the typical July heat and dry conditions.
If you have ever considered backpacking the length of the Highline Trail, I hope this video gives you a good understanding of the terrain features and water sources along the way.
No doubt about it, this is a difficult trail with lots of twists and turns to keep your interest as you zig-zag your way across the lower traverse of the Mogollon Rim. If you are a long distance hiker, comfortable with 20 mile days in the worst conditions, this is a 3 day trip. Otherwise, you will enjoy yourself more if you extend this to 4-5 days - to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the cool, flowing spring water.
I realize this video is a bit lengthy, but I couldn't find a video that showed enough of the trail and water sources to make me feel comfortable about heading out there- so I decided to get a little more thorough and show as much as I could, so anyone who stumbles across this video might be a little better prepared than I was if they decide to give it a shot.
NOTE: As you can see, parts of the trail are very hard to follow, not well marked, and overgrown. I wouldn't attempt this trail without a GPS map, you can expect to lose the trail and spend extra time navigating. As is always the case, be sure to carry enough water to get you to the next reliable water source, so you aren't stuck if a creek on the map is dry. I lucked out with recent monsoons...otherwise, some of the creeks may not be flowing. Be careful, especially in the summer. It was hot, muggy and very challenging out there.
Enjoy!
