Arizona · Hiking

Black Jack

Black JackPhoto: ossguy, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
6.7 mi
round trip
1,277 ft
climb
7,457 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Black Jack open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Black Jack is a hard, out-and-back hike of about 6.7 miles in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail rises from a low point of 6,143 feet to a high of 7,457 feet, a gain of about 1,277 feet one way. The route is on natural trail surface, and it is open to horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. For comfortable weather, aim for spring or fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run highs around 68°F in April and 72°F in October, with lows near 31°F and 36°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the climb run cooler. The trail is open year-round, and the parking area is called Black Jack (#568). The Blackjack Spur Trail (568A) is about 0.4 miles away, and the Badger Trail is about 2.4 miles away. Coal Creek Campground is about 3.3 miles away, and the Brushy trail is about 7.1 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Black Jack

    Best months: May and September–October. 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

      52° / 20°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 22°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 27°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 31°

      3 wet

    5. May

      77° / 39°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      88° / 49°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 55°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 55°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      81° / 49°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      72° / 36°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 27°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 20°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Black Rvr Pumps, AZ, 48.4 mi away at 6,065 ft. The station sits about 1,400 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.

Route details

Distance
6.7 mi round trip
Climbing
About 1,277 ft
Starts at
BLACK JACK (#568) (about 6,233 ft)
Summit
7,473 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Time
About 3 hours

Getting there

Park at BLACK JACK (#568).

Season

Season: Year-round.

Questions about this route

How long is the Black Jack on Maverick Hill?

About 6.7 mi round trip from BLACK JACK (#568) (about 6,233 ft).

How much elevation gain is on the Black Jack?

About 1,277 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Black Jack?

It is rated hard.

Where does the Black Jack start?

BLACK JACK (#568) (about 6,233 ft).

How long does the Black Jack take?

About 3 hours round trip.

When is the best time for the Black Jack?

Year-round.

Conditions and forecast on Maverick Hill

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.