Pine Canyon Trail #26

Pine Canyon Trail #26 is a strenuous point-to-point hiking route in the Tonto National Forest area of Arizona, climbing from near the town of Pine up toward the Mogollon Rim. The trail is described as roughly 7.5 miles one-way with about 2,200 feet of gain, and the rim climb is where most of the effort concentrates.

The route heads out of the Pine area at about 5,000 ft and pushes to an intersection with the Pine Canyon Trail #147 system around the 7,200 ft level. Expect the climb to be rocky and to include significant switchbacks as you gain the rim edge.

Along the Pine Canyon portion, fern-lined banks along Pine Creek are a noted feature, and the trail is framed as a way to access the larger Mogollon Rim trail network in the region.

Route navigation tends to require attention as the terrain steepens: hikers report needing to track the correct line on switchback climbs and manage rocky sections as the grade increases.

If you’re extending the hike into longer treks, common add-ons include building loops with nearby rim or long-distance routes (for example combinations that use Pine Canyon segments plus rim trail systems like East Rim Trail).

Because this hike is steep and can get slippery or sketchy, plan for conservative footwork on rockier switchbacks and expect loose ground during steep portions; avoid assuming it will handle wet conditions comfortably.

Preparation wise: scout and inspect trailheads/first connectors where visible, and keep an eye on conditions if rain or runoff is in the forecast—this is the kind of route where getting the “right” footing line matters once the switchbacks and rockier ground start.

More information: Visitor information, Pine Canyon Trail #26 - Kingsnake's Home Den, Pine Canyon / Geronimo Loop, AZ | HikeArizona