Arizona Trail Passage 25: Whiterock Mesa

AZT Passage 25: Whiterock Mesa is a 22.7 -mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This section runs from the East Verde River to Pine Trailhead and is located just outside of Pine, AZ. This passage is rated as difficult and is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, and equestrians (mountain bikes are prohibited in the Mazatzal Wilderness). Passage 25 continues north through the Mazatzal Wilderness. It begins with a steady ascent from the East Verde River toward the Mogollon Rim. The East Verde River is particularly special as it is one of only four rivers that the Arizona National Scenic Trail crosses between Mexico and Utah, and it is one of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers within the entire state! The trail here ascends through a high desert landscape characterized by juniper and pinon pine trees with some steep climbs over rocky, rugged terrain.This passage uses existing roads and trails to travel from the north end of the Mazatzal Wilderness to the Pine Trailhead on AZ 87. Although this passage exits the designated wilderness, portions of it feel quite remote, and the lush zone through Oak Spring Canyon is beautiful. Trail users also enjoy frequent views of the Mogollon Rim, the massive and colorful escarpment that rises 1,500 feet above the Pine Valley. DIRECTIONSFollow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail MarkersWATERThe East Verde River is a probable water source. For more information, check the Arizona Trail Water Report at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgTonto National Forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/, Payson Ranger District, 1-(928) 474-7900.BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.