Washington Park: Highline OnB

The Mogollon Rim's Highline trail often sparks intrigue among mountain bikers. There's great sections, good sections and sections best left to hikers. There is an ongoing restoration project spanning the entire 50 mile length of the Highline trail to fix routing issues and poor drainage areas. Details can be found on VOAZ's Highline restoration page. Currently, 36 miles have been restored.

I was in need of some higher country riding and set my sights on the Highline trail heading east from the Washington Park trailhead about 15 miles north of Payson. This stretch of trail was a more recent rehabilitation project, a nine mile piece of singletrack where work ended at the junction of FS144.

The Arizona Trail portion of the Highline trail runs west to Pine from Washington Park and is very challenging, not yet fully restored. 

The Colonel Devin trail climbs up the rim, I'd be following the Highline to the right (east). 

Looking back towards the trailhead from the sign above. Nice crossing of the East Verde River.

This ride is 100% singletrack, built for riding.

Some bits you'd swear were transported from Sedona.

Dude!! As in Dude Creek.

Every so often, a sprawling view of the Mogollon Rim would show itself.

Almost the 30 year anniversary of the June 25th, 1990 Dude Fire.

Fuller Creek crossing.

After climbing to a saddle, this sweeping view of trail comes into frame.

No sooner had I snapped the photo above, I heard some large branches rustling behind me, up to the left. I began scouring the hillside to see what was making the ruckus. I began to see movement, but still no concrete visual. Then a head popped out, then another. Next thing I knew four elk scampered down the brush covered slope and emerged on the trail ahead. Neat.

Two of four elk spotted.

Some mighty peaks on that horizon.

Here they are as seen through the PeakFinder app.

A third flowing creek crossing, this one is Bonita Creek.

I've always been a sucker for a good wooden trail sign.

This post marks the turnaround spot where FS144 joins from the south. Looks like some hikers stashed a couple of coolers under the tree. Beyond this sign is plenty of loose, rubbly trail and hike-a-bike. Tread wisely.

This was the only section of trail that could use some tires & shoes on it. The grass is taking over.

Most of the nine miles is well maintained. Only a couple of down trees.

Nice cool shady spot by the one gate along the trail.

The return ride generally trends downhill.

No elk sightings on the trip back.

More Sedona red.

So much to look at, vistas, creeks, rock formations, cliff bands and sublime singletrack.

Just like that, I was back where I started. If you want a little more, ride up the Colonel Devin trail for one mile, to where it joins a powerline corridor, then flip it. Some good technical riding over the upper half of the trail. A waterfall or two as well.

Really glad I made the trip north. I don't think the temps ever hit 80º and if they did, there were three creeks to cool off in each way. If you enjoy XC types of trails, put this on your list. I didn't see another rider and only a few hikers the entire way.

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