Arizona · Hiking · Mazatzal Wilderness

Midnight

5.1 mi
round trip
483 ft
climb
5,382 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Oct
best months

Is Midnight open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Payson Ranger District. It doesn't name Midnight, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

Midnight is a moderate hike in Arizona's Mazatzal Wilderness, part of the Payson Ranger District of Tonto National Forest. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 4,800 feet to roughly 5,400 feet, and it totals about 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 480 feet. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from late spring into early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Payson weather station show May highs around 80°F and October highs around 76°F, while July and August average in the low 90s and bring the most wet days of the year. The trail is on natural ground, and bikes are not allowed. It is a year-round route. Willow Springs lies about 2.3 miles away, and Lost Trail #279 is about 2.8 miles off. North Peak and Rock Creek are within about 4 miles.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Oct

    Best time to visit Midnight

    Best months: March–May and 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

      56° / 26°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      58° / 28°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      65° / 32°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      72° / 36°

      3 wet

    5. May

      80° / 43°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      90° / 51°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      93° / 60°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 59°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      86° / 52°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      76° / 41°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      64° / 31°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      55° / 26°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Payson, AZ, 13.2 mi away at 4,850 ft. The station sits about 500 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.