Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 3 miles in the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail rises about 80 feet from a low point of 7,548 feet to a high of 7,633 feet, and it is managed by the Forest Service. The route is natural-surfaced and open to both horses and bikes, so it works for riders and equestrians as well as hikers. The trailhead is at the Mallard Trailhead parking area, and the hike is open year-round. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the sweet spots. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 70°F in May and 76°F in September, with July the warmest month at about 83°F. That station sits roughly 750 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the hike run a little cooler. Bear Canyon Lake Campground is just 0.3 miles away, and the Bear Snowmobile Loop mountain biking route is 0.7 miles off. The Bear Canyon Lake Trail 506 hike is about a mile away, and Knoll Lake, a fishing spot, is about 5 miles out.