Arizona · Hiking · Mazatzal Wilderness

North Peak

8.5 mi
round trip
2,165 ft
climb
6,231 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Oct
best months

Is North Peak open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Payson Ranger District. It doesn't name North Peak, 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.

North Peak is a moderate hike in Arizona's Mazatzal Wilderness, within the Payson Ranger District of Tonto National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the nearest town is Rye, about 9 miles away. The route is an out-and-back of about 8.5 miles, with a total elevation gain of 2,165 feet. It starts at roughly 4,000 feet and climbs to about 6,200 feet on the peak. The trail surface is natural, and bikes are not allowed. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Payson show October highs around 76°F with lows near 41°F, while July highs reach about 93°F. That station sits well below the peak, so temperatures up high run cooler. Nearby hikes include Willow Springs, about 2 miles away, and Rock Creek at roughly 2 miles. Midnight and the Arizona Trail are within about 5 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 North Peak

    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, 10.6 mi away at 4,850 ft. The station sits about 1,400 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.