Arizona · Hiking

Lengthy Canyon

6.8 mi
round trip
3,797 ft
climb
7,229 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep
best months

Is Lengthy Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Lengthy Canyon is a hard hike in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail is out and back, covering about 6.8 miles with a total elevation gain of 3,797 feet, which makes it a demanding day for anyone who wants to reach the high point at 7,229 feet. The trailhead is called Lengthy Trailhead (#89), and the Forest Service manages the land. The route starts at about 5,558 feet and climbs to the high point before descending back. The steepest stretch is right at the beginning, with a grade of about 28 percent. The trail is on natural surface, and horses and bikes are allowed, but it is not an accessible route. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically May and September, when typical averages from a nearby weather station show highs around 75 to 79 degrees and fewer wet days than the summer months. July and August bring about 14 to 15 wet days a month, while winter highs hover in the low 50s with lows below freezing. East Eagle is the closest nearby hike, about 0.3 miles away, and Hagan Corral and Raspberry are both within about 2 miles. Strayhorse Campground, roughly 2.1 miles out, is the closest place to camp.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Lengthy Canyon

    Best months: May–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

      52° / 13°

      5 wet · 2 snow

    2. Feb

      55° / 16°

      5 wet · 2 snow

    3. Mar

      61° / 19°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      67° / 25°

      3 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      75° / 30°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 37°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 48°

      14 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 47°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 39°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 27°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 18°

      4 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      52° / 13°

      5 wet · 2 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Luna Rs, NM, 29.5 mi away at 7,050 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.