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East Rim Trail - BSA - 11 members in 35 triplogs have rated this an average 3.6 ( 1 to 5 best )
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35 triplogs
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Aug 11 2025
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 Guides 41
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 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Donahue - East End - Pine Canyon, AZ 
Donahue - East End - Pine Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Aug 11 2025
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking15.29 Miles 3,065 AEG
Hiking15.29 Miles   7 Hrs   56 Mns   2.32 mph
3,065 ft AEG   1 Hour   20 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I had two goals on this hike. First, I wanted to check out the damage from the 2024 West fire, and second, I wanted to finish trimming the East Rim Trail that I'd started last year.

A dozen cars were parked at the Pine trailhead at 7 a.m., but I only saw one person all day. It was a glorious 64 degrees to start. I headed down the Highline and made the turn up Donahue. It's a tad steep, but luckily, it was in the shade most of the way.

A bit of a road walk on FR218, which has had gravel laid down since the last time I was up here. It looks to be by the same people who did the Rim Road. I wonder if they plan on thinning up here too?

I took FR9382L to the rim and then began my off-trail route to the top of the East Rim Trail, navigating around the nubile locust growth.

The East Rim Trail drops 1,100 feet in three-quarters of a mile to the Pine Canyon Trail. It took me 1.75 hours to get down, completing my trimming as I went. It should be clear sailing from top to bottom now.

On the Pine Canyon Trail, it was a bit of a grind with the temps now in the low 90s.

I'm glad the fire damage was not as bad as I'd feared and that my trimming was complete on the East Rim Trail.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Aug 26 2024
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Pine Canyon Trail #26Payson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 26 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking8.17 Miles 1,376 AEG
Hiking8.17 Miles   4 Hrs   16 Mns   2.44 mph
1,376 ft AEG      55 Mns Break
 
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Partners none no partners
This was going to be just my typical workout hike.

After I crossed the bridge, I decided to Zig instead of Zag. I remembered I had a pair of small trimmers in my bag and remembered how overgrown the top of the East Rim Trail was the last time I was up there. So I headed up. Might as well trim while I'm going up. There was a lot more going up than I remembered and my hands were blistered. So 2/3rds of the way up (6720')I quit.

The rest will have to wait another day. The next, time with gloves.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Sep 25 2022
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 Guides 2
 Routes 127
 Photos 1,478
 Triplogs 129

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2022
mikemcgTriplogs 129
Hiking14.73 Miles 2,608 AEG
Hiking14.73 Miles   7 Hrs   59 Mns   2.07 mph
2,608 ft AEG      53 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
My second time on the Pine Canyon Trail. It was a beautiful, cool day. The first 6 miles were pleasant, green, relaxing, and very enjoyable. Numerous birds provided a great soundtrack. Took the side trail to Dripping Springs, and saw 5 elk there. One elk stopped to pose for a few pictures before jogging away.

The East Rim Trail was very slow going. It's well-marked with red flags, but after taking a left around a large rock, it took a while to bushwack back to the trail. The rock scrambling toward the end of the trail was fun and a nice change of pace.

Just past the end of the East Rim Trail, it became miserable. Thick unavoidable thorns were ubiquitous. It's a beautiful green area, but the thorns were rough. Should have brought my machete, but didn't think I'd need it on the Rim. It was a relief to eventually make it to the use trail, then the road. Views were excellent from the top of the Rim.

Going down on the Donahue Trail was easier than expected. Over 25 switchbacks, few loose rocks, didn't fall. There was a large pile of fresh bear poop in the middle of the trail, but no bears. Just a million squirrels and birds. The Highline Trail was a very pleasant way to finish the loop.

Overall a beautiful day to get out and enjoy nature. Saw only 3 other people on the trail the entire day. It was so green. The smell of the pines, sounds of the birds, and views of the Rim were wonderful. The highlight was seeing 5 elk; the low point was fighting through thorns for over a mile. Worth it.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elk
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Dripping Springs
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Dripping Springs Dripping Dripping
  4 archives
Sep 25 2022
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2022
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking14.55 Miles 2,817 AEG
Hiking14.55 Miles   6 Hrs   25 Mns   2.39 mph
2,817 ft AEG      19 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I had not hiked up on the Rim in almost a year, so I was overdue to hike there, and decided to do this one today.

We did the loop CW. The Pine Canyon Trail is an enjoyable trail to hike on, so we got the hike started on a good foot. Then comes the East Rim Trail, which is really, really steep. There is some fun rock scrambling on the upper part of the East Rim Trail, and there are some nice views to be had on some rock outcroppings.

There were no wildlife sightings today, other than a couple of squirrels. There were quite a few elk droppings around and there was some fairly fresh bear scat in the middle of the Donahue Trail.

Everything is green up there.

There were a few wildflowers here and there, but no fall foliage yet.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
Jun 04 2022
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
High-Donahue-Milk-East Rim, AZ 
High-Donahue-Milk-East Rim, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 04 2022
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking18.42 Miles 3,153 AEG
Hiking18.42 Miles   8 Hrs   52 Mns   2.23 mph
3,153 ft AEG      37 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I wanted to check out the SE section of Milk Ranch Point that I'd never been to.

50 degree start at the Pine TH.

The Highline Trail #26 is in great shape all the way to Donahue. It has had recent trail maintenance.

Donahue #27 has had some light maintenance done to it. Close to the top, I went out on a short point to check out the views. Then back on the Donahue until I went off trail to the east. A mix of easy off trail and decommissioned FR's to make my way CCW around MRP. I saw a small fox and 3 white tailed deer during this stretch. I had my lunch with great views at the end of 9363S.

Next off to the main drag on MRP, FR218, I was shocked at the lack of people camping up there.

Now, off trail over to the top of East Rim Trail. It's evident someone has been up here recently. Fresh red metal tags marking the route, as well as red paint on quite a few rocks. I don't get tired of this steep route down. It's a bit challenging for an old fart like me, but rewarding.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Yellow Columbine

dry Garden Tank Dry Dry
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Milk Ranch Point - Webber Tank 26-50% full 26-50% full
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Oct 16 2021
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 16 2021
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking14.60 Miles 2,825 AEG
Hiking14.60 Miles   6 Hrs   57 Mns   2.75 mph
2,825 ft AEG   1 Hour   39 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
I enjoy this hike and decided to do it again.

I did the loop clockwise. The Pine Canyon Trail is a really nice one; ditto for the section of the Highline Trail that we took back to the TH. I don't care much for the Donahue Trail though. The very steep East Rim Trail is in a class of its own -- the rock scrambling on the upper part of the trail is fun though!

We did not see anyone all day until we got back on the Highline Trail -- there were several people on the trail as we got closer to the TH.

I saw a bull elk on the offtrail portion of the hike up on Milk Ranch Point, and we came across a deer while on the Pine Canyon Trail. That was it for wildlife.

The weather was nice, and it was a great day to be in Rim Country!
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
There was a bit of fall foliage here and here, but not much.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Milk Ranch Point - Webber Tank 76-100% full 76-100% full
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Sep 18 2021
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Up and over X2 on Milk Ranch Point, AZ 
Up and over X2 on Milk Ranch Point, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 18 2021
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking16.89 Miles 3,991 AEG
Hiking16.89 Miles   7 Hrs   59 Mns   2.30 mph
3,991 ft AEG      38 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I got dropped off at the Pine TH to start this hike. I hadn't been on Donahue or Turkey Springs in quite awhile, so I worked up a route that would hit both. I also like the views and rock scramble of the East Rim, so my route was set.

I followed a cow elk for awhile up the Highline Trail, until she got bored.

Up Donahue, it's mostly in good shape. Like many trails this year, it is starting to fill in. The biggest problem for me, was the extended gnat season. The pesky little SOB's

Down West Webber for the first time. The top portion of this trail is a steep one. This trail is loaded with maple that should explode with their fall color next month. There's also plenty of old growth Ponderosa. Very little light gets through to this trail, so no need to worry about the orb cooking you. There is some downfall on the trail, but it's easily avoided.

Up on Turkey Springs trail. For a trail that's less than a mile away, it has an entirely different feel. There is very little protection from the sun. It's mostly manzanita and juniper. What it does give you is vast views of the rim. Up top, I had my lunch with a view.

I headed across Dickerson Flat to the upper TH of The East Rim Trail. This is all off trail and there a lot of prickly locust to try and navigate through. I was lucky enough to find an old FR and then a game trail for awhile. But it got thick after that.

On the East Rim Trail, I really love the upper half of this trail/route. You have the great views and I love the rock scrambling. The lower half drags on a bit, because it's steep and slippery.

The squirrels were having a great time all day with their nuts.
There is a bumper crop of acorns this year.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Fetid-Goosefoot
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Horned Lizard

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Milk Ranch Point - Webber Tank 26-50% full 26-50% full
Muddy

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Pine Creek @ Bearfoot Trail Medium flow Medium flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max South Fork of West Webber Creek Light flow Light flow
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jul 27 2021
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2021
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking14.80 Miles 2,736 AEG
Hiking14.80 Miles   7 Hrs   19 Mns   2.58 mph
2,736 ft AEG   1 Hour   35 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
I last did this hike almost 3 years ago, so I was overdue to do it again.

I did the loop clockwise, which I think is the best way to do it.

I really enjoy the Pine Canyon Trail. About 1/2 mile into the hike, I saw a bull elk. A short while afterward I saw 10-12 more elk, all of which were cows.

The climb up on the East Rim Trail is a steep one -- whoever built that trail apparently didn't know about switchbacks; instead they just went straight uphill. There was more class 3 rock scrambling at the top of this trail than I remembered.

Once on Milk Ranch Point, it seemed more brushy this time, and I put on some knee-high gaiters at one point. The bushwhacking wasn't all that bad though.

It was pleasant walking up on Milk Ranch Point. Then came the descent on the Donahue Trail that was my least favorite part of the hike -- in fact, it was the only part of the hike that I did not enjoy.

Once back on the Highline Trail it was an easy and enjoyable stroll back to the TH.

This hike is a good one, and I'm going to have to do it once a year!
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elk
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Bushwhack  Ladder Stile
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Milk Ranch Point
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Milk Ranch Point - Webber Tank 76-100% full 76-100% full
This tank seemed full of real muddy water...I would not want to try and filter it.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Aug 03 2019
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Pine Canyon Trail #26Payson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 03 2019
toddakTriplogs 577
Hiking17.00 Miles 4,500 AEG
Hiking17.00 Miles   9 Hrs   30 Mns   1.79 mph
4,500 ft AEG
 no routes
Partners none no partners
From the north end: down PCT > up ERT > across Milk Ranch mesa > down WWT > up TT > return. East Rim is a bold little route, very fun, saw a mama cinnamon and 2 cubs on the mesa, several small flowing creeks along WW, refreshing thunderstorm on the way out.
_____________________
 
Sep 01 2018
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Red Geronimo Milk East Pine Bear, AZ 
Red Geronimo Milk East Pine Bear, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 01 2018
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking15.68 Miles 3,686 AEG
Hiking15.68 Miles   8 Hrs   6 Mns   2.14 mph
3,686 ft AEG      46 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Red Rock Springs Trail #284
Started here, because I'd never been on this one.
Nothing special, takes you up to the Highline, by Red Rock Spring.

Highline Trail #31
4 miles on this to get to Geronimo. Highlight was the Pine Spring area. I never noticed the 2nd wooden spring box, south of the one on trail. Had a fox hike towards me.

Geronimo #240
An old rough Road

Geronimo - West Webber Connector - AKA West Milk Ranch - BSA
A good option vs West Webber all the way. Thick trees and a running West Webber Creek, made this enjoyable.

West Webber #228
From where you get on this, the steepness begins. 7/10 of a mile and more than 800' of gain. The only hikers I saw all day, passed me running to the top. One was a Ranger Dave Metzer from Camelback. He says "Hi Joe".

East Rim - BSA
I've been up this numerous times, first time going down this one. A little more slippery, going this direction.

Clear sailing the rest of the way.





 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Bridge
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Pine Spring  Red Rock Spring
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Pine Spring Dripping Dripping
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Pools to filter from

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Red Rock Spring Dripping Dripping
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Easiest option is from the tank on the highline trail. It was almost full. The spring area had pools that you could filter from if needed.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max South Fork of West Webber Creek Light flow Light flow
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Areas of flowing water
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  2 archives
Aug 30 2018
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,374

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 30 2018
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,374
Hiking14.90 Miles 2,850 AEG
Hiking14.90 Miles   7 Hrs   22 Mns   2.68 mph
2,850 ft AEG   1 Hour   49 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
I made my first ever trip to the Pine Trail Head, and I am glad that I did -- I really enjoyed this hike, particularly the first half of it. In fact, this might be my favorite Rim Country hike.

We did the loop clockwise, which would be the best way to do it. The Pine Canyon Trail #26 was a delightful trail to hike on. I also enjoyed hiking on the East Rim trail, although it was very steep -- you gain about 1,000 feet in a mile, and in the first 0.6 miles of the trail you gain about 800 feet. The views are great on the trail, and you get to do some rock scrambling on the upper part of this trail. The trail ends up on Milk Ridge Point, and we made an off trail jaunt for about a mile to a forest road. I enjoyed the off trail portion quite a bit -- I'd recommend taking a GPS track for this portion of the hike.

After hiking on a couple of forest roads, we took the Donohue Trail down off of Milk Ridge until we came to the Highline Trail, and then went of the Highline Trail back to the trail head.

I didn't see much in the way of wildlife -- a rabbit, some squirrels, and some bluejays. At the top of the East Rim Trail I heard a turkey gobbling, but I did not see it. There were a few cows that I saw while going off trail on Milk Ridge Point.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  2 archives
Jul 29 2017
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 Routes 67
 Photos 966
 Triplogs 694

51 female
 Joined Jan 05 2012
 Phoenix,AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2017
slowandsteadyTriplogs 694
Hiking14.35 Miles 2,941 AEG
Hiking14.35 Miles   7 Hrs   4 Mns   2.17 mph
2,941 ft AEG      28 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
_____________________
 
Jul 29 2017
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 Guides 4
 Routes 491
 Photos 10,890
 Triplogs 1,257

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 29 2017
BiFrostTriplogs 1,257
Hiking14.35 Miles 2,941 AEG
Hiking14.35 Miles   7 Hrs   4 Mns   2.17 mph
2,941 ft AEG      28 Mns Break
 
Hike for the day was Pine Canyon Donahue Loop. We have done this one in the past but not since the reroute section of both Pine Canyon Trail and the Arizona Trail. Starting from Pine TH we headed up Pine Canyon Trail. Fairly near the start the new trail section kicks in and has some really nice trail construction. Several wide switchbacks even out the steepness of the grade but it did add some mileage. We took Pine Canyon Trail to the East Rim Trail turnoff which unlike Pine Canyon has not had any maintenance. However, the trail is a fun climb despite gaining over 1000 feet in 0.6 miles. Cool rocks and great views of Pine Canyon and the rim make this the highlight of the trail.

Once on top we stopped for lunch break. After that it was across Milk Ranch Point and over to the Donohue Trail which drops off the rim. As the trail drops I was curious to see where it intersected with the AZT because I knew that this section was also rerouted. The new trail junction ended up being about 200 feet AEG above and maybe ¼ above from the old junction. From the junction, it was super highway with some really large switchbacks that again probably added some mileage from the old alignment but very nice trail. From there it was an easy stroll back to the trailhead.
_____________________
  2 archives
Jul 15 2017
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Bear-East End-MRP-Pine Canyon, AZ 
Bear-East End-MRP-Pine Canyon, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jul 15 2017
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking21.34 Miles 3,570 AEG
Hiking21.34 Miles   8 Hrs   57 Mns   2.56 mph
3,570 ft AEG      36 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
I've had this one drawn up for quite some time. I was always interested to explore a bit more of Milk Ranch Point and find a way to connect MRP to the Upper Pine Canyon TH.

The East Rim Trail is still steep one. I was shocked to actually run into someone else on the way up. Or should I say, he ran into me. I chatted with Ryan for a bit before he disappeared above me.

I tied a bunch of old FR's together with some off trail, to follow the western side of MRP. There are quite a few spots where you get some decent views. Around the NE portion of this track, the breeze picked up a bit and I could hear a rumbling in the distance. I checked the radar on my phone and there was a big one coming my way.

I skipped lunch and decided to try and get off the rim before it hit. A good thought, but no luck. I hiked in a steady rain with Sky Crackles in the area. Luckily only one crackle that did not allow me to count between light and sound. I did a quick 360 to look for hits and saw none.

I had planned to try the area close to the rim on the north edge of Pine Canyon, but the storm had me wanting to stick to the middle ground.

Finally on the Pine Canyon Trail, I started down the switchbacks. I found a rock outcropping to get partially out of the rain and sit for a moment. After 20 minutes, the rain let up enough for me to complete my hike.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated


water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Parsnip Spring Gallon per minute Gallon per minute

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Pine Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
Decent flow from Camp Low Mia North


_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jul 04 2017
avatar

 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Geronimo LoopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 04 2017
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking21.67 Miles 4,344 AEG
Hiking21.67 Miles   7 Hrs   4 Mns   3.07 mph
4,344 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Did the Pine Canyon Geronimo Loop. I took the West Webber down to The Geronimo Trailhead. There was water flowing in a couple creek beds along the way. Nice and cold which was very refreshing on this hot day! :y: The bonus was some wild raspberries along the West Webber. The ones at Geronimo aren't ready yet.

The return on the Highline was a warm one. Nice hike! Happy Fourth of July!

dry Turkey Spring Dry Dry

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max West Webber Creek Light flow Light flow
_____________________
 
Sep 05 2015
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 Routes 54
 Photos 1,508
 Triplogs 325

39 male
 Joined Mar 18 2015
 Payson, AZ
Pine Canyon / Geronimo LoopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 05 2015
The_NTriplogs 325
Hiking20.77 Miles 4,212 AEG
Hiking20.77 Miles   7 Hrs      3.15 mph
4,212 ft AEG      24 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
The forecast called for perfect weather to knock out a 20-miler. Cool temps and an early morning fog sitting over the rim gave this hike an autumn feel. I like the new route through Pine Canyon. East Rim Trail was it's usual sweat inducing self, although the soil and rocks seemed to be looser this time. I followed Joe's recent route through the locust forest atop MRP and found it much more pleasant than my previous trip. There was even something resembling a trail. There were quite a few hikers and backpackers, more numerous as I got closer to the Pine TH. About a mile West of Red Rock Spring a group of 6 young adults going the opposite direction stopped me to inquire about a spring that might be ahead. All but one was dressed in all black, none had on day packs & were only carrying a liter water bottle each. I informed them the spring was dry and they might want to consider turning around. Pine TH was packed upon my return, with fully automatic gunfire echoing through the canyon. Awesome hike and another beautiful day in Rim Country!
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
Oak leaves along West Webber Trail were starting to change.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Pine Spring Dripping Dripping
Slightly more water than previous trip, still a muddy seep.

dry Red Rock Spring Dry Dry
Spring box was dry. Didn't investigate further up the hill.

dry South Fork of West Webber Creek Dry Dry
Dry at crossing.

dry Turkey Spring Dry Dry
Spring box was dry. Didn't investigate further down the trail.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max West Webber Creek Light flow Light flow
Pools to filter from.
_____________________
If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
  2 archives
Aug 09 2015
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Pine Canyon / Geronimo LoopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 09 2015
johnlpTriplogs 5,208
Hiking20.40 Miles 4,224 AEG
Hiking20.40 Miles   7 Hrs   33 Mns   2.83 mph
4,224 ft AEG      21 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
We decided to hike this one counterclockwise after missing the first turn. Oops. The 8 miles on the Highline is probably better hiked in the morning before it gets hot anyway. Hiking commenced before 8 AM and by 8:30 it was getting warm. Throughout the hike any bit of shade was relished. Built up a good sweat on the uphills. Other than that, temps were tolerable.

We ate a few blackberries by Webber Creek before starting up to the Rim. Most of the ripe ones had already been picked so we didn't stay long. The trek up to the rim was nice. Partially shaded and pretty good trails.

The top part of the East Rim trail is really cool. Highlight of the trip for me. We hiked down this trail. I think I would prefer to go up. Good and steep.

The rest of the hike was a bit of a slog for me. My hip was giving me trouble, and it was plenty warm out. JJ had to wait for me a few times.

Overall an excellent hike. A little warm mid-summer, but an early start would help. Stopped for Mexican food in Payson on the way home. Yum. Thanks for everything John. You rock! :)
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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  1 archive
Jul 09 2015
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Geronimo LoopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 09 2015
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking20.48 Miles 4,504 AEG
Hiking20.48 Miles   6 Hrs   55 Mns   3.02 mph
4,504 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Wow we scored on the weather front today! Overcast with a nice cool breeze made this one even more enjoyable than was expected. I'm not certain what is going on with the Arizona Trail or with all the other trail work around the Pine Trailhead? I am certain there is a bunch of work taking place and it all appears to be for the better.

After the hike we stopped by one of my Real Estate clients home in Payson to pick up some paperwork and then off to La Sierra for some tasty Mexican Food.

On the way home we made good time by skipping Mile 225 on Highway 87. Good times.
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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Jul 09 2015
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Pine Canyon / Geronimo LoopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 09 2015
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking20.48 Miles 4,504 AEG
Hiking20.48 Miles   6 Hrs   55 Mns   3.02 mph
4,504 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
1st trip
The classic Ken loop. The hike is from Pine TH on the church girl side, over Milk Ranch Point to the bullet ricocheting boy scout side. Preston/Kingsnake recently noted many new switchbacks on #26. We stumbled upon yet another new set almost immediately. Without signage it's puzzling. Yet you can't get into too much trouble as you merge back repeatedly.

East Rim Trail is still a cool beast. Knowing what to expect it was over quick. A jungle of Locust greets the sweat drenched hiker upon reaching the rim. Joy. jj loves the blackberries and found some nice patches on Milk Ranch Point, the mesa. West Webber Trail #228 is among my favorites. The forest, tread and views are a divine treat in the summer.

jj likes to hit up the beginning of Geronimo Trail #240 where it crosses West Webber Creek for the blackberry festival. A bumper crop is underway. Looks at least two weeks to ripe. He found some bonus grapes. Despite being no where near ripe, he ate a handful... bleck

The Highline is not a trail I enjoy, I'd rather hike back over. We lucked out with nice weather. It was enjoyable with borderline stormy clouds blocking the death star.

Heading home we scoped out jj's retirement home then he downed a quart of salsa.

Carried 3.5 quarts water, consumed 2.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Red Rock Spring
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Today's hike was brought to us in part by Wild Bergamot. The largest patch I've seen of mintleaf.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Pine Spring Dripping Dripping
you could filter from a small puddle in a pinch, better option nearby at Red Rock Spring

dry Red Rock Spring Dry Dry
If you read comments you are in luck. Nothing flowing but the trough was over half full.
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- joe
 
Jul 02 2015
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 Routes 54
 Photos 1,508
 Triplogs 325

39 male
 Joined Mar 18 2015
 Payson, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 02 2015
The_NTriplogs 325
Hiking12.15 Miles 2,870 AEG
Hiking12.15 Miles   5 Hrs   3 Mns   2.67 mph
2,870 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Decided to give this loop a try after seeing a couple recent triplogs for it. Spoke briefly with a local at Pine TH who mentioned plans to re-route Donahue to accommodate mountain bikers, but who knows? Once on the trail I immediately crossed paths with a couple deer less than a half mile in. I was looking forward to busting it up East Rim trail only to discover I was sharing the trail with a girls youth group over a hundred strong who where heading down from an out & back up East Rim. Needless to say, my pace was slowed to a crawl, at best, with frequent stops to let them pass. I can't complain though, they were a surprisingly quiet and well-behaved bunch (or just tired) and the adults were friendly and chatty. Overall, I found East Rim Trail enjoyable, especially near the top. Because of the delay, I opted out of a nutrition break and scarfed down a sandwich while walking along the FR before Milk Ranch Rd, where I spooked a group of 4 turkeys. Then it was on to Donahue Trail and it was my first time hiking down this section. Great hike all around. Lots of sunshine & 85 degrees when I arrived back at the TH a couple shades darker than when I left.
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Merriam's Turkey
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Dripping Springs

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Dripping Springs Dripping Dripping
As the name states...
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If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
  6 archives
average hiking speed 2.38 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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