Arizona · Hiking

Bear Flat Trail #178

16.6 mi
round trip
494 ft
climb
6,096 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Bear Flat Trail #178 open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Payson Ranger District. It doesn't name Bear Flat Trail #178, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Payson Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bear Flat Trail #178 is a 16.6-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Tonto National Forest, within the Payson Ranger District. The trail rises from a low point of 4,930 feet to a high of 6,096 feet, with a total elevation gain of 494 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is listed as Bear Flat TH. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Pleasant Valley show May highs around 76°F and October highs around 72°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 9 to 10 a month. Haigler Canyon campground and Haigler Creek, a canoeing spot, are both within 2 miles. Big Ridge and Dry Creek Trail are hikes about 3 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Bear Flat Trail #178

    Best months: March–May and September–November. 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

      53° / 25°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      56° / 27°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      61° / 31°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 36°

      3 wet

    5. May

      76° / 42°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 49°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 59°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 59°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 52°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      72° / 40°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 30°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 25°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pleasant Valley, AZ, 9.9 mi away at 5,183 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors