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Pine Canyon / Donahue loop - 7 members in 27 triplogs have rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
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27 triplogs
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Aug 11 2025
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 Guides 41
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 Photos 14,983
 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.
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Sep 17 2023
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 Routes 386
 Photos 49
 Triplogs 792

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 17 2023
emilystardustTriplogs 792
Hiking14.68 Miles 2,664 AEG
Hiking14.68 Miles   7 Hrs   21 Mns   2.10 mph
2,664 ft AEG      22 Mns Break
 
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1st trip
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As others have mentioned, the scrambling up East End was the highlight for us also. A little overgrown with some pokey plants across the top to the road but could mostly get around. Donahue was steep and the hottest part of the day until some storm cloud moved in for the last few miles.
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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
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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
 
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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.
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Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive
Oct 16 2021
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 Guides 99
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 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
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Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Jul 27 2021
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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 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
 
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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.
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Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
May 27 2021
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 27 2021
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking14.00 Miles 2,906 AEG
Hiking14.00 Miles   5 Hrs   4 Mns   2.84 mph
2,906 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
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Haven’t done this one in a while. I forgot just how much fun it was going up that East Rim trail. Oooof. Actually got off course a couple times between that and the top of the rim before hitting the trail again. Not bad but you definitely need to pay attention in this stretch. As for the rest the trails are in great shape both before and after that segment. Weather was perfect and I saw an Arizona Black before I started my way back down. All in all just a good day up on the rim!
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Aug 30 2018
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 Guides 99
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 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
 
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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.
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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.
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  2 archives
May 21 2017
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
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58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar May 21 2017
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking13.99 Miles 2,694 AEG
Hiking13.99 Miles   4 Hrs   21 Mns   3.22 mph
2,694 ft AEG
 
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Headed up to Payson to enjoy the cooler weather today. The re-route on the Pine Canyon Trail is now 100% complete and it is like a Super Highway. Then comes the East Rim trail that is still steep as ever. Up top could certainly use some trail work and then the Donahue is in it's typical good shape. This one is always an enjoyable hike for me.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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  1 archive
Sep 03 2016
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 03 2016
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking13.49 Miles 2,709 AEG
Hiking13.49 Miles   4 Hrs   33 Mns   3.01 mph
2,709 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
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A beautiful day up in the Rim Country. It took an hour longer than normal to get to Payson with all the Holiday traffic but other than that it was a picture perfect day up there.
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Jun 19 2016
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 19 2016
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking13.48 Miles 2,657 AEG
Hiking13.48 Miles   4 Hrs   17 Mns   3.15 mph
2,657 ft AEG
 
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Decided to head up to Payson to get out of the heat. Good thing I did too because it was only 106 up there. :lol: Even on top of the rim my Fenix displayed 100 degrees. :o

This is always a fun hike and today was no exception. Heading out on Pine Canyon I noticed the exceptional condition of the trail. I also noticed that work and re-routing is still in the works. Then I came across the crew that is doing the trail work. They were on lunch break so as I passed by I thanked them for there efforts. They said they work with the Conservation Corps otherwise known as ACE (American Conservation Experience). To them I say Bravo! :app:

Then on up that crazy East Rim Trail and across the top. I wish they were doing trail work up there. If doing this loop you will find that the GPS is your friend up there. The trail exists but fades in and out as I am sure it sees little traffic between the top of East Rim and the road. Coming down Donahue was easy breezy and then I hit the newly re-routed Highline. All of this added about a mile and a half to the previous hike but trail conditions are fantastic. Minus the brief stint up top of course.

I imagine I will be doing this one again before years end. I like it that much!
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  1 archive
Jul 02 2015
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 Routes 54
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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
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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
Jun 18 2015
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 Guides 1
 Routes 447
 Photos 4,407
 Triplogs 938

68 male
 Joined Mar 09 2012
 Gilbert, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 18 2015
rayhustonTriplogs 938
Hiking11.77 Miles 2,661 AEG
Hiking11.77 Miles   5 Hrs   48 Mns   2.43 mph
2,661 ft AEG      57 Mns Break16 LBS Pack
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1st trip
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I was hoping to beat the heat, but I'm not sure this qualifies. It was 90 at the trailhead when I finished, 97 in Payson when I stopped for lunch. I knew it was going to be warm, so I slowed the pace and drank a lot of water. This turned out to be a very fun hike in spite of a warm sun.

I saw an abandoned fawn at Dripping Spring. Leaving the fawn bothered me, but there was nothing I could do for it. Later, I saw an adolescent bear on Milk Ranch Rd. I was leaving a camp site I just checked out when I stepped back onto the road. As I looked ahead, the bear emerged from the pines onto Milk Ranch road about 50 yards away, heading towards me. It was beautiful, it's coat shining in the bright sun. I paused, wondering how this was going to shake out. I didn't have to wait long, as the bear dashed back into the woods as soon as it saw me. I waited a minute, wanting to make sure the young bear's momma didn't come charging out. Nothing, so I continued on.

The hike itself was very enjoyable. The Pine Canyon trail is beautiful. I thought momentarily about skipping the loop and staying on this trail for awhile longer, then return the way I came. But I stayed the course. The trek up the East Rim trail is steep. The last section is a fun rock scramble. As noted in other triplogs, a GPS track (or map and compass) is helpful to get through the off trail section from the East Rim trail to FR9283L. I didn't mind hiking on the forest roads. Plenty of pines all around, so I just pretended it was an extra wide trail.

The descent on Donahue provides excellent views, but watch your step; the trail is pretty rocky. I tripped up a few times trying to take in the views. I was happy to see Highline. I knew the rest of the journey would be on good trail under the cover of pine. By now it was not just warm, but getting hot. I consumed most of the three liters of water I brought plus a 20oz bottle of Gatorade.

Good hike!
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elk
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  1 archive
Jun 14 2015
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
 Triplogs 2,400

58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 14 2015
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking11.33 Miles 2,664 AEG
Hiking11.33 Miles   3 Hrs   57 Mns   2.96 mph
2,664 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 
Partners none no partners
Decided it was time to get out of the oven. I forgot how much I love the Rim Country! Got a nice little sprinkle while hiking up top. East Rim trail is always a treat! I think it goes up a thousand feet in less than 3/4 of a mile. Good stuff.
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Sep 14 2014
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 Routes 596
 Photos 9,604
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58 male
 Joined Jan 30 2011
 Chandler, AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 14 2014
JuanJaimeiiiTriplogs 2,400
Hiking11.31 Miles 2,480 AEG
Hiking11.31 Miles   4 Hrs   1 Min   2.85 mph
2,480 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 
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I showed a couple homes this morning to one of my real estate clients. Nothing clicked so I booked it up to Payson. I was thinking of doing the Horton-Derrick Loop at first but I switched gears and headed for the Pine Trailhead.

It was this or the Pine Canyon Geronimo Loop. I opted for the shorter one and went to La Sierra afterwards for some yummy Mexican food.

Dark clouds and sporadic thunder accompanied me on the second half of the hike. It was a perfect day to be on the trail up there.
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Sep 01 2014
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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 Sep 01 2014
slowandsteadyTriplogs 694
Hiking11.76 Miles 2,562 AEG
Hiking11.76 Miles   6 Hrs   37 Mns   2.20 mph
2,562 ft AEG   1 Hour   16 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
One cool thing about the AZT, is that as you go along, you see places you want to get back to and explore.
Pine Canyon Trail had a nice steady uphill with a nice stroll in aromatic pines before another uphill in the manzanita.
I had read that East Rim would be pretty steep, so that was expected. I was not mentally prepared for the rock scramble up top. I took my pack off twice and handed it up. And I did require Karl's hand for a pull up on one section. Karl said East Rim was "cooler than he expected" and I replied that it was "scarier than expected." I think I have grown soft on all these AZT hikes. :)
We saw two cars parked as we walked the road and were only passed by one gater. Otherwise it was solitude and views as we headed for Donahue.
The top of Donahue is another nice stroll in the pines and then switchbacks and a good drop down to Highline.
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Sep 01 2014
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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 Sep 01 2014
BiFrostTriplogs 1,257
Hiking11.76 Miles 2,562 AEG
Hiking11.76 Miles   6 Hrs   37 Mns   2.20 mph
2,562 ft AEG   1 Hour   16 Mns Break
 
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slowandsteady
After doing 2 sections of AZT on Saturday and Sunday we headed for Pine to do the Pine Canyon Donahue Loop. Started the hike at the Pine TH heading out on Pine Canyon Trail #26. After 2 days of primo AZT we had to acclimate to what most Arizona trails are like although Pine Canyon Trail is still pretty good. We took this trail for little over 4 miles until it reaches East Rim Trail where the fun begins. This trail is extremely steep and rises 1000 feet in just 0.6 miles according to the triplog. The top half of this trail is what makes it all worth while with some cool scrambling for about the 400 to 500 feet of elevation gain. The views are excellent of Pine Canyon and surrounding area with each sandstone platform providing more climbing fun.

Eventually East Rim trail tops out on Milk Ranch Point where the trail ends. From here we headed off trail over to the high point of Milk Ranch Point (I use that term loosely) for lunch. After lunch we continued off trail to FR 9382L which took us down to the Milk Ranch Point road. This part was definitely the easy part being several miles of road walking. After about 3.5 miles we made to the end of Milk Ranch Point and linked up with the Donahue Trail.

Decent views going down Donahue Trail which was short only 2.6 miles down to where it intersects with Highline Trail. From there we took the Highline trail back to Pine TH to finish out the loop. Nice loop...definitely want to get back and do East Rim Trail again.
 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
pretty much a mud hole
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  1 archive
Oct 05 2013
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 Routes 268
 Photos 2,969
 Triplogs 541

66 male
 Joined Aug 16 2009
 Mesa,AZ
Pine Canyon / Donahue loopPayson, AZ
Payson, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 05 2013
hikerdwTriplogs 541
Hiking11.77 Miles 2,906 AEG
Hiking11.77 Miles   5 Hrs   46 Mns   2.59 mph
2,906 ft AEG   1 Hour   13 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
This was a really fun loop hike and the weather, if you don't mind a little wind, is perfect right now around and on the rim. The East Rim Trail, as described in the hike description, is a steep one but the trail is pretty well defined even without all the markers and the views are fantastic. The short bushwhack across the rim is fairly intuitive however it was nice to have the track loaded in the GPS to make sure we were headed in the right direction. We didn't see anyone else on the trail until we hit Donahue which made the road hike very pleasant. One thing to note, when you hit FR 9385B there is now a trail sign to the right of the road that gets you back on a trail sooner, versus hiking 9385B itself.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mogollon Rim
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Dripping Springs Dripping Dripping
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Expect to self rescue
 
average hiking speed 2.5 mph
1, 2  Next

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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