Pine, Arizona is one of those rare places where you can wake up among ponderosa pines, sip coffee in cool mountain air, and be on a trail within minutes. Whether you want an easy overlook, a shady creek walk, a waterfall adventure, or a serious Mogollon Rim hike, the Pine–Strawberry–Payson area has an impressive variety of trails within about 50 miles.
Before heading out, always check current trail, road, fire, weather, and permit conditions. Tonto National Forest notes that recreation conditions can change quickly, and Fossil Creek access from Strawberry requires hiking from Bob Bear Trailhead with no vehicle access to the creek or waterfall from Strawberry.
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25 Great Hiking Trails Near Pine, Arizona
1. Pine-Strawberry Trail #15
A local favorite connecting the Pine and Strawberry area, this trail gives you classic Rim Country scenery without needing a long drive. Expect pines, rocky stretches, views toward the Mogollon Rim, and a good moderate workout. The trail is commonly listed at about 4 miles point-to-point. Learn more.
2. Highline Trail / Arizona Trail Passage 26
This is one of the signature hikes near Pine. Passage 26 follows the Highline National Recreation Trail for miles below the Mogollon Rim, crossing drainages and springs before climbing toward the Rim. It is best tackled in shorter sections unless you are prepared for a long, strenuous day. Learn more.
3. Pine Canyon Trail
A challenging route that connects the Rim country with the Pine area. This trail is a great choice for hikers who want forest, elevation change, and a more backcountry feel. AllTrails lists the Mogollon Rim to Pine Trailhead route at about 10.5 miles point-to-point. Learn more.
4. Highline, Pine View, and Pine Canyon Loop
A popular Pine-area loop that combines multiple local trail segments. This is a strong option for guests who want something more substantial than a short nature walk but not necessarily a full-day backpacking-style route. AllTrails lists this among popular Pine hikes. Learn more.
5. Pine Creek, Anna Mae, Gowan, and Waterfall Loop — Tonto Natural Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is one of the most memorable places near Pine. Trails here are short but steep and can feel more strenuous than the mileage suggests. The park lists Pine Creek Trail, Waterfall Trail, Gowan Trail, and Anna Mae Trail, all leading to different views of the bridge, creek, waterfall cave, or observation areas. Learn more.
6. Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
Water Wheel Falls is a beautiful creek-and-waterfall hike near Payson and is one of the best “reward” hikes in the area. The Forest Service lists Water Wheel along Houston Mesa Road, about 7.5 miles from the turnoff, with day-use access, vault toilets, picnic tables, and no potable water. A Tonto pass or fee is required, and this area should be avoided during storms or flash-flood risk. Learn more.
7. First, Second, and Third Crossings
These East Verde River access points near Water Wheel are great for creekside exploring, short walks, and cooling off in warmer weather. The Forest Service lists First Crossing, Water Wheel, Second Crossing, and Third Crossing along Houston Mesa Road. Learn more.
8. Bob Bear Trail to Fossil Creek
This is one of the most famous hikes in the region, but it is not casual. From Strawberry, the Forest Service states there is no vehicle access to the creek or waterfall; hikers must descend the strenuous Bob Bear Trail with more than 1,000 feet of elevation change. Go prepared and check seasonal permit rules before visiting. Learn more.
9. Horton Creek Trail
A beloved Rim Country hike that follows Horton Creek through pine forest, small cascades, and lush scenery. AllTrails lists Horton Creek Trail at about 8.9 miles and describes it as running alongside the creek with waterfalls and beautiful pine forest. Learn more.
10. See Spring Trail
A beautiful forest-and-water hike near Christopher Creek. This is a good choice for hikers who want something scenic without committing to the longer See Canyon climb. AllTrails lists See Spring among popular Payson-area spring trails. Learn more.
11. See Canyon Trail
A longer and steeper Mogollon Rim hike known for forest scenery, seasonal color, and a climb toward Rim Road. A local hiking guide notes that See Spring is the shorter spur, while See Canyon continues farther and climbs steeply toward the Rim. Learn more.
A common question is: Are See Spring Trail and See Canyon Trail the same thing? No, they are not the same. They share the same trailhead and initial 0.7 mile path. See Spring is shorter and easier (2.5 mile trip) and See Canyon is more strenuous and longer at about 7-8 miles ascending the Mogollon Rim.
12. Woods Canyon Lake Trail
A peaceful lake loop on top of the Mogollon Rim. This is a nice change of pace from canyon and creek hikes, especially for guests who want water views, forest, and a more relaxed outing. Arizona Hiking describes it as a loop hike around Woods Canyon Lake. Learn more.
13. Rim Lakes Vista Trail
One of the best “big view” hikes near the Rim. The Forest Service describes Rim Lake Vista Trail as 3.5 miles long with great views and rocky sunny exposures, while other trail guides describe it as an easy route with panoramic Mogollon Rim views. Learn more.
14. Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail
A shorter scenic option with classic Rim views. This is a good suggestion for visitors who want mountain scenery without a rugged backcountry hike. Learn more.
15. Bear Canyon Lake Loop
A quieter lake hike with forest, water, and wildlife-viewing potential. AllTrails describes Bear Canyon Lake Loop as a serene lake hike with some rock hopping and narrow sections. Learn more.
16. Babe Haught Trail / Fish Hatchery to Knoll Lake
A harder forest hike for more experienced hikers. AllTrails lists Fish Hatchery to Knoll Lake via Babe Haught Trail as about 7.8 miles and describes it as a challenging route with forest scenery and lake views. Learn more.
17. Arizona Trail Passage 27 — Blue Ridge
For hikers who want a true Arizona Trail experience on top of the Rim, Passage 27 travels through meadows, forests, and canyons with pine trees, flowing water, and General Springs Cabin. Learn more.
18. General Springs Cabin Area
A historic and scenic stop along the Arizona Trail / Rim Road area. This can be paired with short hikes on nearby AZT sections or scenic drives along the Rim. Learn more.
19. Washington Park Trailhead / Highline Access
A classic access point for the Highline Trail and Arizona Trail. Good for experienced hikers who want to create an out-and-back section hike below the Rim. Learn more.
20. Donahue Trail
A Pine-area trail often included among spring hiking options around Pine. It is a nice one to consider for visitors who want to stay close to town. Learn more.
21. Pine View Trail
Often combined with Pine Canyon and Highline segments. This is another close-to-Pine option for guests who want a local hike without driving far. Learn more.
22. East Verde River Trail
A good Payson-area river hike option, especially for hikers who like creek scenery. AllTrails lists East Verde River Trail among Payson trails with picnic-area access. Learn more.
23. Christopher Creek Area Trails
The Christopher Creek area offers a mix of creek, forest, and Rim-country access. It is a good area to mention to guests who want scenic drives, fishing, picnicking, and trail options in the same outing. Learn more. Off road trails.
24. Mogollon Rim and Woods Canyon Lake Loop
A bigger adventure for hikers who want more mileage and elevation. AllTrails notes that the Mogollon Rim and Woods Canyon Lake Loop is one of the longer routes near Rim Lakes Vista Point. Learn more.
25. Paved Viewpoints at Tonto Natural Bridge
Not every outing has to be a full hike. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has paved paths and four viewpoints from above, making it a great option for guests who want views without scrambling down the steeper trails. Learn more.
Quick Trail Picks by Guest Type
Best easy scenic outing: Rim Lakes Vista Trail or Tonto Natural Bridge viewpoints.
Best waterfall adventure: Water Wheel Falls or Horton Creek.
Best local Pine-area hike: Pine-Strawberry Trail #15.
Best serious hike: Highline Trail / Arizona Trail Passage 26.
Best summer escape: Horton Creek, See Spring, Woods Canyon Lake, or Rim Lakes Vista.
Best “wow” stop near Pine: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Safety Notes for Guests
Rim Country trails can be rugged, rocky, and remote. Bring more water than you think you need, download maps before leaving town, wear real hiking shoes, and check weather before creek hikes. Water Wheel Falls and East Verde River areas can be dangerous during storms or monsoon conditions. Fossil Creek and Bob Bear Trail require extra planning because access rules, permits, heat, and elevation change can surprise unprepared hikers.