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| Pine TH to Horton Creek, AZ | |
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| | Pine TH to Horton Creek, AZ | | | |
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Pine TH to Horton Creek, AZ
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| Hiking | 47.36 Miles |
7,579 AEG |
| | Hiking | 47.36 Miles | 18 Hrs 6 Mns | | 2.90 mph |
| 7,579 ft AEG | 1 Hour 46 Mns Break | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This was a long time coming and even though the goal was to finish the entire Highline Trail in one day it was still a great experience!
Started at the Pine TH at 4am and set off on a solid pace and was averaging 16-17 minute miles before the sun rose eager with the fact I was actually giving this a shot!
I think I made it to Geronimo around or just before 7am filled my bottles and soon after saw the only person on the trail the entire day.
It was a blessing to pass every single creek and see it with healthy clear flowing water and it was at that realization I cut my 64oz supply of water down to 32oz since there was such an abundance of water every few miles. Literally every single creek and even side drainges had flowing water, the only place that was true dry was Big Canyon.
Arrived at Washington Park to see the entire parking lot filled with Payson Hotshots Trucks, they were doing a workout hike up CD Trail which I found out today after talking with the friends that are apart of that crew.
I had stashed my backup supplies at this location the night before and even though it was appreciated I didn't need any of it at the time since I was still full on rations and realized my cache point was too soon but I made the most out of it and engorged on bacon, almond butter, cookies, beer and an energy drink mixed with water, healthy stuff I know  .
WP to Dude Creek is actually one of the only portions of the Highline I've ever even hiked until this day, other than that the entire trail was unknown to me which was kind of nice since I had no expectations, just flowing with it.
The re-routed "fire damage" section of the trail certainly stood out and seemed to go on for quite some time due to the sun exposure and rocky trail but they did do a great job with the overall construction as it never had any long steep inclines in that portion.
I really started to "feel it" during the Ellison Creek to Hatchery stretch which was around mile 37, feet were hurting and legs felt heavy but kept pushing.
I had an offer from a good friend willing to meet me at the Hatchery and hike the last part with me for motivation but my miscalculation in distance and his late arrival set things back a bit.
I made it there at 5:50 and nearly waited an hour for him which was the crucial mistake on my part, I should have pressed on solo and just met him at See Canyon but I was letting my mind make excuses.
To be honest the hike was definitely more of a mental battle than it was physical as my body was in autopilot for many portions and felt solid overall.
With a pair of fresh legs behind me I picked up the pace once again and we made it to Horton Spring at a decent time but with 13.97 or more miles to go and time getting very late it was certainly a tough choice but I decided to call it.
Not finishing was tough on my competitive spirit but I'm still chalking it up as a win since it was my personal best hiking totals for one day and that's all that matters in the end.
Already thinking about the next attempt and what I will do differently which for starters would be a 3am start, cache at the Hatchery instead of Washington Park and carry less water throughout the hike.
Until next time Highline, I'll be back (Arnold Voice).
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Route Editor
Route Scout
