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Trip Details

6-Day Arizona Guided Hiking Trip – Highline National Recreation Trail Adventure

Deposit: $500.00 - $1,950.00
Destination: The Highline National Recreation Trail, AZ
Trip Type: Hiking and Camping Trips
Season: Summer
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6-Day Arizona Guided Hiking Trip – Highline National Recreation Trail Adventure

Deposit:
$500
Destination:
Highline National Recreation Trail, Arizona

A Guided Arizona Hiking Adventure with Colorado Mountain Expeditions

Fully Supported Group Hiking Trip | Highline National Recreation Trail | August 24–29, 2026

Experience one of the best hiking trips in Arizona on a fully supported, multi-day adventure along the iconic Highline National Recreation Trail. This guided group hiking experience offers stunning desert-to-mountain transitions, panoramic views, and immersive backcountry travel—without the burden of carrying heavy packs.

What Makes This Arizona Hiking Trip Special

Iconic Arizona Terrain & Scenic Diversity

Hike through one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the Southwest. The Highline Trail traverses below the Mogollon Rim, offering sweeping views, pine forests, rugged cliffs, and classic Arizona backcountry terrain.

This route is widely considered one of the top destinations for hiking in Arizona, combining elevation, solitude, and constantly changing scenery.

The Best Group Hiking Experience in Arizona

This trip is designed for those seeking a group hiking experience in Arizona with expert guides and a supportive environment. Meet like-minded adventurers, share the trail, and enjoy the camaraderie of a professionally guided hiking trip.

Our guides handle logistics, navigation, and support—so you can focus on the experience.

Hike at Your Own Pace

Guests are free to hike at a comfortable pace each day. Our experienced guides provide:

  • Route support and navigation

  • First aid and safety oversight

  • Encouragement and flexibility for all hikers

Slackpacking Through Arizona’s Backcountry

Enjoy the benefits of slackpacking:

  • Carry only essentials (water, snacks, layers)

  • No heavy overnight packs

  • Support crew transports gear between camps

This allows you to hike farther, more comfortably, and fully enjoy the Arizona landscape.

The Hiking Experience

Highline National Recreation Trail

This unforgettable Arizona hiking route follows the base of the Mogollon Rim, offering a unique perspective of the state’s dramatic geography. Expect:

  • Rolling elevation changes

  • Shaded pine forests mixed with open desert views

  • Remote and peaceful backcountry camps

Daily hikes typically last 4–7 hours, depending on pace and group preference.

Classic Arizona Backcountry Hiking

This is true Arizona hiking—vast, rugged, and incredibly scenic. From sunrise over canyon walls to golden-hour light across the Rim, each day delivers unforgettable moments.

Camp Life and Support

Comfortable Backcountry Camps

Arrive each day to a fully supported campsite where your gear is ready and waiting. Settle in, relax, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Arizona’s wilderness.

Guest Tent & Camp Comfort

Our communal guest tent includes:

  • Camp chairs

  • Coffee & tea station

  • Games and books

  • Cooler for BYOB beverages

A perfect place to unwind after a full day of hiking.

Fresh Meals Prepared by Your Guides

Breakfast
Hot breakfast with coffee and tea each morning. First day includes a packed breakfast during shuttle.

Lunch
Build-your-own trail lunches with fresh ingredients and snacks.

Dinner
Hearty, delicious meals prepared by your guides.
All dietary needs accommodated (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).

Who This Trip Is For

This trip is ideal for hikers looking for:

  • Guided hiking trips in Arizona

  • A group hiking experience in Arizona

  • Moderate to challenging multi-day hikes

  • Scenic, remote desert and forest landscapes

Participants should be comfortable hiking multiple days in a row on varied terrain.

Slackpacking support makes this trip accessible to strong hikers who want a backcountry experience without carrying a full pack.

Welcome to Your Arizona Hiking Adventure

With over 25 years of guiding experience, Colorado Mountain Expeditions delivers one of the most unique and rewarding hiking trips in Arizona. From expert logistics to unforgettable scenery, this trip is designed to immerse you in the best of the Southwest.

Spots are limited—and Arizona hiking trips like this fill quickly.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Experience the magic of group hiking in Arizona on the Highline Trail.

Dates: August 24–29, 2026
Location: Highline National Recreation Trail, Arizona
Total Trip Cost: $1950 per person
 

More Information

Overview of the Mogollon Rim
These hikes are along the Mogollon Rim, primarily south of it, running East/West.  The average elevation is about 5,000-6,000 feet above sea level.   It is truly a unique part of the Southwest,-this rim extends East-West over  200 miles and with  2,000 feet of vertical relief at times! Separating the lofty Colorado Plateau from the lower Sonoran Desert, it offers us a variety of terrain, vegetation and wildlife for our hikes.


Date Day Hike Distance (miles) Starting Trailhead Pick Up Trailhead Elevation Gain Elevation Loss Campsite
8/24 Monday Meeting Day No hiking on First Day Bray Creek (FSR 439)
8/25 Tuesday 7.75 Pine Geronimo 1069 1000 Bray Creek (FSR 439)
8/26 Wednesday 9.3 Geronimo Washington Park 1181 537 Bray Creek (FSR 439)
8/27 Thursday 16 Washington Park Fish Hatchery 1368 1706 Fish Hatchery (FSR 289C)
8/28 Friday 10.5 Fish Hatchery See Canyon (FSR 284) 1181 1235 Fish Hatchery (FSR 289C)
8/29 Saturday 6.5 See Canyon (FSR 284) Two-Sixty 640 98 No Camping on Last Day
    50.05     5439 4576  
    ^Total Mileage     Total Gain ^ Total Loss ^  


Hiking Details
The trails that we will hike follow the Rim in an East-West direction.  This means the terrain is often rolling up and down through drainages.  The longest of these climbs are about 400-600 feet, many are less.  Total elevation gain/loss for our hiking days  will be between 1,200-2,000 cumulative feet.  We have planned hiking distances of about 10 miles per day, the longest day is about 15 miles and our final hiking day is shorter, about 6 miles.  Normally our day will consist of about 6-7 total hours on the trail, including rests and lunch.  We are  also be able to offer alternate, shorter hikes if some people prefer.  And there is always the option of a rest day and shorter walks around camp if you desire!   

Camping Details
Camping is on the Tonto National Forest, in dispersed sites.  The sites we use are spacious and due to our midweek use they are very quiet.  Initially we will bring you to a basecamp with we will use for the first part of the week.  Hikes will either be into/out of camp or have a short shuttle (15-30 minutes).  Midweek we will move camp, in order to be closer to the rest of our hiking.

We will have coffee/hot drinks available early every morning, and will follow up shortly after with a hot , hearty and healthy breakfast.  After breakfast, pick up your lunch bag and get ready for the hiking day.  Our trail guides will lead you during the day, on the trail and at breaks.  Once you return to camp, enjoy our hot shower, hot/cold drinks, community tent and chairs, and an appetizer.  We serve your “camp gourmet” dinner at about 6:00.  The evening is yours for socializing or enjoying  your own solitude.

Weather Forecast
The weather averages for late August are daytime highs in the mid-80s and morning lows in the 50s to low 60s. Be prepared for dry, sunny conditions and occasional breezes. And remember, there is always a chance of unexpected weather—storms, wind, or cooler temperatures. We can’t control the weather!
MEETING DIRECTIONS
Please leave a copy of this information with your emergency contact person.

Meeting Time    3:00 PM on meeting day
Meeting Place    Payson Church of the Nazarene
200 E. Tyler Parkway
Payson, AZ 85541

Directions:   The main north-south highway through Payson is  AZ Highway 87, aka the Beeline Highway.  There are two traffic circles on the Beeline Highway in Payson. The Church of the Nazarene is located just off of the northern traffic circle, go right. The Home Depot is located across the Beeline Highway, west of the Church of the Nazarene.   

Trip Ending
We should have you back to your vehicles at Payson Church of the Nazarene  at approximately 3:00 PM.  On the final day we will pack our tents and gear in the morning, before hiking.  We will do a slightly shorter hike on this day (7-10 miles), to accommodate our departure.  

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Dan Weida – Field Manager
PHONE or TEXT: 970 531 0963
EMAIL: info@coloradotmountainexpeditions.com
Emily Weida – Office Manager
PHONE or TEXT: 970 509 0115

Welcome to your Highline National Recreation Trail adventure! We are thrilled that you’ll be joining us for a week of hiking through Arizona’s spectacular backcountry. This Welcome Package contains all the information you’ll need to prepare, including trip logistics, daily itinerary, and important safety tips.

Our goal is to provide a professionally guided, fully supported hiking experience so you can focus on the trail, the scenery, and the camaraderie of fellow hikers.

Dates: August 24–29, 2026
Trip Leader: Dan Weida, Owner of Colorado Mountain Expeditions
Contact: info@coloradomountainexpeditions.com | 970-531-0963
Number of Participants: Limited to 14

Trip Overview

  • Trail: Highline National Recreation Trail, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

  • Distance: Full trail coverage (~55 miles)

  • Terrain: Rolling high desert and pine forests with steady elevation changes

  • Daily Hiking: 8–14 miles, averaging ~6 hours per day

  • Camping: Comfortable backcountry camps, moved once during the trip

  • Weather: Morning lows in the 50s–low 60s, afternoon highs in the mid-80s. Expect dry, sunny conditions with occasional breezes.

This trip mirrors Colorado Mountain Expeditions’ Colorado Trail trips, providing a fully supported, safe, and fun hiking experience.

What to Bring

You’ll just need your own hiking clothes, shoes, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and daypack. Colorado Mountain Expeditions provides everything else, including meals, camping gear, showers, and support on the trail. For a complete packing list, see the registration page.

Weather Notes

Late August in Arizona can be warm. Expect morning lows in the 50s–low 60s and afternoon highs in the mid-80s. Conditions are generally dry and sunny, but occasional storms, wind, or cooler temperatures are always possible. Please pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

Daily Schedule

Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation:

  • Meet at designated parking/meeting location

  • Gear check and orientation

  • Short hike or acclimation walk

Days 2–5 – Trail Hiking:

  • 8–14 miles per day, moderate difficulty

  • Daily breaks for lunch and photo stops

  • Return to camp each evening for showers, meals, and relaxation

Day 6 – Final Hike & Departure:

  • Complete final section of the trail

  • Shuttle back to starting point / departure

(Exact timing and mileage may vary slightly depending on trail conditions and group pace.)

Safety & Guidelines

  • Follow all guide instructions for safety and environmental protection

  • Stay hydrated and use sun protection

  • Pack out all trash—Leave No Trace principles

  • Notify guides of any medical conditions or concerns

Contact Information

For any questions before the trip, please reach out:

Trip Leader: Dan Weida, Owner of Colorado Mountain Expeditions

We look forward to hiking with you and showing you the beauty of the Highline National Recreation Trail!

Cancellation Policy

We would hate to see you go but if something does come up here is the cancellation policy. Should you need to cancel for any reason, we will apply the following cancellation policy: For cancellations prior to 60 days before departure, a $50 handling fee per person is retained and the remainder of your deposit is refunded. For cancellations 60-31 days before departure, 50% of your trip fees are refunded. For cancellations 30 days or less before departure, no monies are refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions

All of your camping and personal gear as well as food provisions are carried for you on this progressive five-day hike. This leaves you with a light load (day pack with water, lunch and rain gear) to hike with each day. Yes, we take care of the heavy loads!! The staff driven support trucks go to locations close to the Colorado Trail via jeep road where a community camp is set up.

Your only concern is to have a great time hiking each day. You will need to set up your own personal tent, but after that is done, you can come to the community tent, relax, clean up and eat your evening meal that has already been planned and prepared for you.

In the morning, while you are taking down your tent and packing your gear, we are preparing a wholesome warm breakfast for you.

A variety of fresh lunch items and snacks are put out everyday prior to hiking so you can self-design whatever you want to take with you to eat while hiking.

CME recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen incidents such as injury or family emergencies. It is relatively inexpensive. We are unable to offer refunds for any reason, sorry. Here is a list of insurers, there are many other reputable companies who offer travel insurance as well.

Community Base Camp Tent

This is a camping trip. There is no running water or electricity. Hikers need to bring their own tent, sleeping bag and pad. If you do not have these items, rentals are available.

Our 18 x 30 ‘ community tent is used as our combination kitchen, dining room, and living room. Delicious and health-conscious breakfasts and dinners are served inside. Camp chairs are provided for each hiker, as well as plates, utensils, and mugs. Hikers will make their trail lunches from a large selection of sandwich fixings, fruits, veggies, and other trail food.

A community latrine (toilet) is also set up for all hikers and staff. The latrine is screened with tarps to provide privacy. We practice Leave No Trace Principles. Thus, toilet paper is not buried in the latrine. All toilet paper is put in a separate container that is provided at the latrine. Some of our campsites are in Forest Service Public Campgrounds, whereby a public toilet is available.

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