Pine Loop Trail

If you’re on the hunt for a hike with rewarding views that won’t tire you out too much, try the Pine Loop Trail near Pine, Arizona. As the name would suggest, this hike leads you through a sunny pine forest on a red dirt path. At the high point of the trail, you can see snow-capped mountains in the distance.

This hike is suitable for families and beginners thanks to its sub-three mile distance and mild elevation gain. Should you ever find yourself in Pine, it’s worth the stop.

This route follows part of the Arizona Trail, a cross-state hike that begins at the Utah border and travels all the way to the border with Mexico. You just might spot some thru-hikers on your adventure, who are normally happy to chat about their hike.

This trail is especially enjoyable in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

There are several intersecting trails along this route that can be used to extend your adventure if you want to continue further on. Download a map or GPS route if you’re interested in extending your hike.

From the trailhead, take Pine Canyon Trail on your left. Where the trail splits at the base of the hill, go left. You’ll soon take a couple of easy switchbacks around to another junction, where you’ll stay right.

Keep right again onto Trail 28 and take this to the 4-way junction. Take a sharp right here onto Highline Trail, staying left where it forks.

This relaxed return route will lead you back to the trailhead.

If you want to add a little bit of distance without veering too far off-track, you can stay right onto the upper branch of Trail 28 before the 4-way junction. This will give you a modest climb and a few downhill switchbacks to explore. The other trail that splits off at the 4-way junction requires more aggressive climbing, so we don’t recommend it for beginners or those hiking with kids.

If you want a view of Pine, you can take Trail 26 at the second junction as far as you like as it traverses the hillside above town.

Hiking Route Highlights

Arizona Trail

Following this route will take you along a small section of the 800.0mi Arizona Trail, a hiking route that crosses the entire state from the border with Utah in the north to the border with Mexico in the south. It’s an epic adventure for thru-hikers, although it sees a bit less traffic than more popular thru-hiking trails in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pine Loop Trail good for families?

Yes, this is a nice hike for families and is suitable for all ages.

Is there a fee to hike the Pine Loop Trail?

There is no fee required to hike this route.

Is the Pine Loop Trail open?

The only time this route tends to close is when there is a wildfire in the area.