Arizona · Hiking

Aker Lake

9.3 mi
loop
240 ft
climb
9,145 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Aker Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Aker Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Aker Lake is a 9.3-mile loop hike in the Alpine Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated hard, with a total elevation gain of 240 feet, and it sits at about 8,800 to 9,100 feet, so expect a steady climb over the course of the loop. The trail is natural-surface and bikes are allowed, but it is not an accessible route. The closest neighbors are the Hannagan Meadow Loop and Horseshoe Cienega, both about 0.1 mile away, and Hannagan Campground at 0.2 mile. Aker Lake Fishing Site is about 2 miles off. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from the Alpine weather station, about 18 miles away, show May highs near 69°F and October highs near 64°F, while July and August bring the most wet days.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Aker Lake

    Best months: June and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 15°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      48° / 18°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      54° / 23°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      61° / 26°

      3 wet

    5. May

      69° / 31°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      78° / 39°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 47°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 46°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 39°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 30°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 22°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 16°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Alpine, AZ, 17.8 mi away at 8,050 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.