Arizona · Hiking

Highline

35.3 mi
round trip
1,879 ft
climb
8,220 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Highline open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Highline, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Highline is a 35.3-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, on the Clifton Ranger District. The trail runs from a Forest Service trailhead, Highline Trailhead (#47), which is open year round and sits at the lower end of the route. The climb reaches a high point of about 8,220 feet, with an elevation gain of roughly 1,879 feet over the course of the trip. The trail is rated hard, and the route's length and gain make it a substantial outing. The trail is natural-surface and allows horses and bikes, but it is not accessible. Late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the Alpine, AZ weather station, about 24 miles away and at a similar elevation, show May highs near 69°F and October highs around 64°F, with fewer wet days than the summer months, when July and August see about 13 to 15 days of rain each. Crabtree and Crabtree Park Trail lie within about a mile of the trailhead, and Salthouse is about 1.4 miles away. For an overnight base, Strayhorse Campground is about 1.9 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Highline

    Best months: June and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 15°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      48° / 18°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      54° / 23°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      61° / 26°

      3 wet

    5. May

      69° / 31°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      78° / 39°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 47°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 46°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 39°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 30°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 22°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 16°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Alpine, AZ, 23.8 mi away at 8,050 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.