Donahue Trail

The Donahue Trail is accessible via the Highline Trail. You can find parking at the Highline Trail Trailhead & Supply Box. This trailhead serves as a common starting point for routes incorporating this path.

Yes, the Donahue Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you pack out all waste. Be mindful of the challenging terrain, especially the steep and rocky sections, which might be difficult for some dogs.

The best time to hike the Donahue Trail is typically during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, especially on exposed sections, while winter may bring snow and icy conditions, making the steep terrain more hazardous.

The Donahue Trail is located within the Tonto National Forest. While there isn't a specific permit required for hiking the trail itself, some areas within the Tonto National Forest may require a Tonto Pass for day-use activities or parking. It's always best to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the latest regulations and fee requirements before your visit: fs.usda.gov/tonto.

The terrain on this trail is quite varied and challenging. Expect very steep sections with loose ground, especially during the ascent. You may encounter encroaching vegetation and brushy areas. While primarily singletrack, some parts might follow wider dirt roads. After reaching the top of the Mogollon Rim, the path becomes easier to follow, traversing a denser forest with rocky sections.

As you ascend, the trail offers increasingly impressive views of the surrounding forest and the town of Pine below. Once on top of the Mogollon Rim, you can enjoy expansive views and a more secluded forest environment with dense tree cover and ferns. Notable points include the Arizona Trail gate at Highline Trail and the Highline Trail Trailhead & Supply Box.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Highline Trail #31, Pine Canyon Trail #26, and the Arizona Trail. These intersections offer opportunities to extend your hike or explore different areas.

Given its very steep sections, loose terrain, and significant elevation gain, the Donahue Trail is generally considered Moderate to Hard for hiking. It may not be ideal for absolute beginners. Hikers should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for challenging conditions, including potential route-finding in some areas.

The trail offers potential wildlife sightings, particularly once you reach the more secluded forest environment on top of the Mogollon Rim. Deer tracks are often observed, and you might encounter other forest animals native to the Tonto National Forest.

The Donahue Trail itself is primarily a singletrack that serves as a route to the Mogollon Rim. While it's 2.1 miles as a singletrack, many routes incorporating it are out-and-back. To create a loop, you would need to combine it with other intersecting trails like the Highline Trail #31 or the Arizona Trail, which can extend the total distance significantly.

This specific Donahue Trail, near Pine, Arizona, is known as a less-traveled, challenging ascent to the top of the Mogollon Rim, offering stunning views after traversing a canyon. It's distinct from the high-altitude Donahue Pass on the John Muir Trail in California, Donahue Trail #797 in Gila National Forest, or other paths sharing the name.