Arizona · Hiking

Cow Flat

23.2 mi
round trip
3,121 ft
climb
7,776 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Cow Flat open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Cow Flat is a hard hike in the Alpine Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The route is an out-and-back of about 23 miles, with a one-way elevation gain of 3,121 feet, taking you from a low point of about 4,800 feet to a high of about 7,776 feet. The trail is natural-surface and not accessible. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The nearest town is Alpine, about 27 miles away. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from the Alpine weather station, about 270 feet below the high point, show May highs near 69°F and October highs near 64°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, around 13 to 15 a month. Winter Cabin is about 2 miles away, and the Blue River, a canoeing spot, is about 3 miles off. Hu Bar and Auger are both within about 4 miles.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Cow Flat

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