Highline & Bonita Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
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6393' at the intersection of the Highline Trail and Bonita Creek trail. Can't drive to this one but the trail is an easy one and runs along a year round flowing creek.
Bonita Creek is one of several that come from springs off the side of the Mogollon rim. It fools may who cross it at the contrl road because it's dry and looks like it's been that way for a LONG time. But, the creek flows a good two miles from a spring until it drops back underground a half mile before it reaches the control road.If you are a big time hiker you can get to it from either direction of the High Line trail that runs from 87 (Pine) on the West to 260 on the East. It's only 52 miles end to end. Thinking not... The easy way would still include a little hiking but only 2 miles one way. Come to the little community of Bonita Creek. The creek (bed) crosses the control road about 5 miles out of Whispering Pines heading Eastward. The Bonita Creek bridge is very near the road that leads up to the Community. Take that road and stay to the right until you see the first sign that says Myrtle Point Trail (a road) heading toward the rim. Head up just a short distance and you'll see another left turn and that will take you to the creek. Remember, this is private land so don't block any traffic. There are places to park on the side of the road at the bottom of the hill where the creek is. The trail starts here and is on the West side of the creek. (you will cross at either of two bridges later) As I said, this is private land but the trail along the creek is available to all who wish to walk it...and folks are pretty friendly at Bonita.You'll walk a ways and find a fence. Walk through that takes you into the Tonto Forest where you'll do most of your hike. What you'll see are the wonders of mother nature as she is re-building after the Dude fire in 1990. It's a great feeling to see the renewal part of the cycle. The views are wonderful as you'll see yourself get closer and closer to the base of the rim.Items to look for. There are little springs that are almost not there unless we have a lot of snow or a heavy rain. And, during the fire in 1990 they dropped supplies (and maybe people?) in from the air. One place on the trail you'll see some white shards of plastic on the ground. The fire fighters used large sheets to form an X on the ground for the drops. (note: 2015 there is almost none of the white plastic left) Kinda' interesting to see some still there.Oh, and you'll cross a road at one point. No, you wouldn't have wanted to try that. Even with a quad it's a REAL tough road....and the hike is much more interesting.Have fun!
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