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Arizona Hiking Trails
Arizona Hiking Trails
Donahue Trail | Tonto National Forest |
Donahue Trail | Tonto National Forest |
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Donahue Trail TR 27 | Pine Trailhead | Tonto National Forest
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Map and Directions
Rimsurfer Trail Rating and Hike Review
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
Donahue Trail TR 27
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Pine Trail Head
ACCESS POINTS:
West end: at Pine Trailhead
East end: at Milk Ranch Point
Trail use: light
Trail difficulty: More difficult
Trail length: 1.75 miles / (+ 1.5 miles from Pine TH to the trail)
Estimated hiking time: 2 hours (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: about 1980 feet
Donahue Trail TR 27
TRAILHEADS (TH)
Pine Trail Head
ACCESS POINTS:
West end: at Pine Trailhead
East end: at Milk Ranch Point
Trail use: light
Trail difficulty: More difficult
Trail length: 1.75 miles / (+ 1.5 miles from Pine TH to the trail)
Estimated hiking time: 2 hours (one way)
Season of Use: Spring - Fall
Elevation change: about 1980 feet
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357 photos
More trail info:
USDA Forest Service • Map & Info --
For closures or specific information: RANGER DISTRICT: Payson Ranger Station 1009 East Highway 260 Payson, Arizona 85541 Phone (928) 474-7900
Things to be aware of: Switchbacks and loose rocks
Regional area of the Donahue Trail: from the Pine Trailhead, in the Tonto National Forest, near Payson, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek, Gila County, Arizona.
My trail rating: 3
My Trail Review:
Fall 2006
Started out on the trail about 2pm and finished up about 5pm. I was the only one on the trail today. It was a warm fall afternoon with a deep blue sky and only a few puffy white clouds passing through.
The trail was dry and in good shape after the weekend rains. The mix on the first part of the trail is a moderate incline with a softer forest composite with some larger stones then creek boulders and plenty of shade. As you move up the trail it gets more and more steeper as you ascend to the top of Milk Ranch Point with large sized stones and less shade.
You start out at the Pine Trailhead by going past the horse corrals and through the trail gate, turn to the right on #31 and follow it about a mile to the creek crossing intersection where a trail sign clearly marks you go to the right (#31) again across the creek and up into the canyon. About a half a mile later on this leg of the trail you will see the Donahue Trail sign pointing you to the left and up the Rim Canyon wall. I found the first part of this trail difficult to follow as it is wide with a large stone bed almost resembling a wash but just follow it up and you will see some pile markings and then the trail goes to the left and is easy to follow from there on.
It is a steady and continuously steeper upwards incline all the way to the top with plenty of switchbacks, lush growth, loose stone and great views of the valley below. At the top you "pop" right out of the trees and brush onto the Rim top where you will find rocky areas and fallen trees to sit down on and take a break and enjoy the panoramic 3 sided view of the area.
It was the afternoon heat of the day so I did not see much moving on the trail. I found fresh Elk tracks (looked like from this morning) that ran from the creek bed all the way to the top of the Rim. I did see a group of hawks circling above and riding the updraft - they do it with such grace and skill it makes me wish I could fly too. I also saw a small toad (the kind that looks like a living relic of the prehistoric era). It was covered in the red dust of the trail bed so it blended extremely well into the rocks - I only saw him because I stopped to break and he came out and moved around a little and then took a curious interest in me - especially my camera lense. He blended so well when I tried to look at him through the camera to focus and shoot I could not even see him!
The trip down went very fast. I was careful on the loose stone but able to take large easy well placed steps making good time and a good workout of the downhill return. I worked up a pretty good heat but as I entered the forest part of the connecting trail it was shady and cool - which was very refreshing. The air was mountain fresh and dry. The forest had that healthy outdoor woodsy smell. All in all an enjoyable trail with great views and a unique rim top grand finale that adds that something special to the hike experience.
Enjoy the Rim!
Max
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MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Take the very scenic two lane Highway 87 north out of Payson to just before Pine, Arizona. You will see the Pine Trailhead blacktop pulloff on your right. Pull in and drive to the back parking area then follow the trail signs.
MAP AND DIRECTION TIPS
Take the very scenic two lane Highway 87 north out of Payson to just before Pine, Arizona. You will see the Pine Trailhead blacktop pulloff on your right. Pull in and drive to the back parking area then follow the trail signs.
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This RimSurfer Arizona hiking trail photo gallery review features the Donahue Trail, from the Pine Trailhead, in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.