Larson Canyon
- 7.2 mi
- round trip
- 1,106 ft
- climb
- 7,481 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- Apr–Oct
- best months
Is Larson Canyon open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Larson Canyon, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).
Temporary Emergency Closure
Agency closure covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · Order 03-01-26-004 · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Benny Creek Campground/Southfork Day Use Area Closure Order - Springerville Ranger District
Agency closure covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · Order 03-01-25-06-004 · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Forest Road Conditions Alert
Agency alert covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
No Fire Restrictions
Agency alert covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Larson Canyon is a 7.2-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, within the Black Mesa Ranger District. The trail rises from a low point of 7,195 feet to a high of 7,481 feet, with the steepest stretch coming at about 2.6 miles in, where the grade reaches 9%. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is known as Larson Ridge Trailhead. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 75°F, though that station sits roughly 900 feet lower than the canyon's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The route starts close to several other destinations. Access Trail 298 - 99A is about 0.2 miles away, and Joe SpringsTrail Access is about 0.9 miles away. Larson Ridge Campground and Canyon Point, both around a mile and a half off, offer camping options. Willow Springs Lake Fishing and Boating Site lies about 4.6 miles away for anglers.
Best time to go · Apr–Oct
Best time to visit Larson Canyon
Best months: April–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.
Jan
46° / 20°
Feb
50° / 23°
Mar
57° / 28°
Apr
64° / 32°
May
71° / 39°
Jun
82° / 48°
Jul
83° / 56°
Aug
81° / 55°
Sep
75° / 47°
Oct
67° / 36°
Nov
55° / 27°
Dec
46° / 20°
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Heber (Black Mesa) Rs, AZ, 15.4 mi away at 6,590 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.
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