In the land of Arizona
Through desert heat or snow
Winds a trail for folks to follow
From Utah to Old Mexico
It’s the Arizona Trail
A pathway through the great Southwest
A diverse track through wood and stone
Your spirit it will test
Oh, sure you’ll sweat and blister
You’ll feel the miles every day
You’ll shiver at the loneliness
Your feet and seat will pay
But you’ll see moonlight on the borderlands
You’ll see stars on the Mogollon
You’ll feel the warmth of winter sun
And be thrilled straight through to bone
The aches and pains will fade away
You’ll feel renewed and whole
You’ll never be the same again
With Arizona in your soul
Along the Arizona Trail
A reverence and peace you’ll know
Through deserts, canyons, and mountains
From Utah to Old Mexico
-“The Arizona Trail,” Dale R. Shewalter
Zero day today in the small town of Pine, Arizona. So, in addition to picking up a resupply package at the Post Office I figured I’d also generally cover an overview of the town for food, resupply, etc.
Food
Any discussion of Pine starts and ends with That Brewery, a major sponsor of the Arizona Trail, including a beer named after the trail. If you’re in the area it’s a must stop for the work they do with the Arizona Trail Association. The beer is great, the food is good, and if you’re a thruhiker they’ll let you pitch a tent on the volleyball court next to the building.
Next up is the Early Bird Cafe, just up the street. When they say they have big servings to quash that hiker hunger, they mean it! I ended up getting the big bird breakfast and it was extremely filling – just what you need as a thruhiker.
Resupply Shipping and Groceries
The post office is also just across the street. There’s a small grocery store nearby (major resupply is down the road in Payson). If you ship a resupply box here, the General Delivery address is:
[Hiker Name]
General Delivery
3847 N AZ-87
Pine AZ 85544
You’ll need an ID to pick it up; they hold onto General Delivery packages for 30 days after receipt.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the Arizona Trail, the area is close to the Fossil Springs Wilderness Area and the Highline Trail that runs along the Mogollon Rim. Part of the Highline is shared with the AZT, but not all. It’s pretty remarkable to see how much the Mogollon changes the environment in Arizona. It’s worth a stop and a hike if you are in the area, no question.
4 thoughts on “Towns of the Arizona Trail and Roads: Friendly Pine”