Arizona · Hiking

Hitching Post Loop Trail

Hitching Post Loop TrailPhoto: USDAgov, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
2.5 mi
distance
135 ft
climb
6,912 ft
high point
Lollipop
route
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Hitching Post Loop Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Lakeside Ranger District. It doesn't name Hitching Post Loop Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

Hitching Post Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile loop in the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The hike rises about 135 feet from a low point near 6,750 feet to a high of about 6,912 feet, making it an easy outing that stays within a few hundred feet of elevation. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Pinetop show May highs around 71°F and October highs around 66°F, while July and August bring the most wet days. The trail sits close to several mountain biking routes, including Hitching Post Loop and Walnut Creek, each about 0.4 miles away. Turkey Track Loop Trail is about half a mile off, and Scott Reservoir campground lies about 3 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Hitching Post Loop Trail

    Best months: April–June 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

      45° / 20°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      48° / 22°

      7 wet

    3. Mar

      55° / 26°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      62° / 32°

      5 wet

    5. May

      71° / 38°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 46°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 52°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 51°

      16 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 46°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 34°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      55° / 27°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 19°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pinetop 2e, AZ, 2.3 mi away at 7,200 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors