Regarded as the toughest, roughest and most beautiful trail runs in the country for over 30 years, the Zane Grey Highline Trail Run race distance is returning to 50 miles. Additionally, a marathon distance is being added. The course will utilize more of the maintained sections of the Highline Trail, …
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Regarded as the toughest, roughest and most beautiful trail runs in the country for over 30 years, the Zane Grey Highline Trail Run race distance is returning to 50 miles. Additionally, a marathon distance is being added. The course will utilize more of the maintained sections of the Highline Trail, and eliminate the burn area of Hell’s Gate. The race will start and finish at the 70-acre Mountain Meadow Ranch property in Christopher Creek.
The Zane Grey races are TOUGH, truly unforgettable trail running experiences. The marquee 50 mile race boasts 86% singletrack and more than 6500 ft of climbing, with multiple stream crossings, topped off by stunning sweeping vistas across the Mogollon Rim, the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau.
The marathon distance is over 90% of single track, with 4,500 ft of climbing. All the beauty of the 50 miler, without the last 24 miles .
The Highline Trail dates back more than 100 years to the 1870’s, when trails were built below the Mogollon Rim in Central Arizona to connect the homesteads to early settlers and pioneers. The beauty of the area is overwhelming. The four miles just east of Christopher Creek are thought by many to be the most beautiful section of this scenic trail.
The trail, which lies entirely in the Tonto National Forest and runs from just south of Pine, AZ to several miles east of the town of Christopher Creek, was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979. The Forest Service and many volunteers including several runners have worked countless hours over the years to restore, maintain, clear and mark this scenic and historic trail.
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Beautiful views, and perfect trails!
50 mile distance is the perfect distance, very difficult but still done in a day. Every mile is beautiful trail, and gorgeous forests. Lots of shade cover for a majority … MORE
50 mile distance is the perfect distance, very difficult but still done in a day. Every mile is beautiful trail, and gorgeous forests. Lots of shade cover for a majority of the race. The aid stations are well stocked and the sweater and picture (of you in the race) given to you at the end of the race is absolutely perfect. Places to stay are less than 1.5 hours from the Phoenix airport, and cheap accommodations abound. The elevation in Payson is high- above 6500 feet, so train accordingly. I will do this race every year for the rest of my life. Highly recommend this race!