Arizona · Hiking

Cow Head

3.9 mi
round trip
894 ft
climb
6,950 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Cow Head open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Cow Head, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Cow Head is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 3.9 miles in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail rises from about 6,050 feet to about 6,950 feet, a gain of roughly 894 feet one way, and the Forest Service manages the land. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 72°F, while July and August bring highs near 89°F and the most wet days of the year. The Border hike starts just 0.3 miles away, and Warren Canyon and Schell Canyon are both within about 3 miles. For an overnight stay, Honeymoon Campground is about 4.3 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Cow Head

    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, 15.7 mi away at 6,065 ft. The station sits about 900 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.