Arizona · Hiking

Mcbride Mesa

17.2 mi
round trip
6,684 ft
climb
8,785 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Mcbride Mesa open right now?

Closure in the area

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

McBride Mesa is a hard hike in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from a low point of about 5,589 feet to a high of 8,785 feet. It gains a total of 6,684 feet over the round trip, with the steepest stretch at about 0.4 miles in, where the grade reaches 32%. The trip is about 17.2 miles long and takes an estimated nine hours. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is listed as McBride Trailhead (#26). The trail is open year-round. The route is on natural surface, and both horses and bikes are allowed. It is not an accessible trail. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the Alpine, AZ weather station, which sits at a similar elevation, show highs near 69°F in May and 72°F in September. July and August are the wettest months there, with about 13 to 15 wet days each. The Eagle National Recreation Trail lies just 0.1 mile away. Mountain bikers can head to the Highline and Turkey Spring Trail, both within about 2 miles. Kp Cienega Campground is about 2.8 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Mcbride Mesa

    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, 24.6 mi away at 8,050 ft. The station sits about 700 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.