Arizona · Hiking

Bear Canyon

6.3 mi
round trip
3,744 ft
climb
8,070 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Bear Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Bear Canyon, 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.

Bear Canyon is a hard hike in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 6.3 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 3,744 feet, and it is an out-and-back route that reaches a high point of about 8,070 feet. The trail is rated hard, and the climb is steep. The steepest section comes at about 0.5 miles in, with a grade of nearly 29 percent. The route is on natural surface, and it is open to both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Alpine, AZ weather station, which sits at a similar elevation, show May highs around 69°F and October highs around 64°F, while July and August bring the most wet days. Rose Peak Trail, a mountain biking route, lies about 0.3 miles away, and the Red Mountain and Strayhorse hikes are each about half a mile off. Honeymoon Campground, about 6.4 miles away, is the closest place to camp.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Bear Canyon

    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, 31 mi away at 8,050 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Bald Eagle Temporary Closure - Bear Canyon Lake - Black Mesa RD

      Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · Order dated June 12, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026 → lifted Aug 30, 2026 · Forest Service