Highline National Recreation Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Peter Chapin on Unsplash

Highline National Recreation Trail

4 days · 63.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance63.7 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain8,048 ft
Gain / mile126 ft
High point6,877 ft

What the Highline National Recreation Trail is known for

The Highline National Recreation Trail #31 runs about 50-55 miles below the Mogollon Rim between the Pine trailhead and the 260 trailhead, in use since the 1870s as a route between rim-country homesteads. Point-to-point through ponderosa and canyon-cut terrain; typically 3-5 days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Highline National Recreation Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 17,910 ft to 22,205 ft over 63.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 23.7 mi · 38%
  • Downhill 27.5 mi · 44%
  • Flat 11.8 mi · 19%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How much elevation gain is on the Highline National Recreation Trail?

The Highline National Recreation Trail climbs roughly 8,048 ft total — about 126 ft per mile, topping out near 6,877 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Highline National Recreation Trail Plan Free →