Arizona · Hiking

Pine Creek Loop

2.5 mi
loop
494 ft
climb
2,795 ft
high point
Loop
route
Oct–Apr
best months

Is Pine Creek Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Mesa Ranger District. It doesn't name Pine Creek Loop, so check the source for the area it covers.

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

Pine Creek Loop is a 2.5-mile loop hike in the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest in Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 2,250 feet to about 2,800 feet, with a total elevation gain of 494 feet, and is rated moderate. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show March highs around 73°F and October highs around 85°F, while July averages climb to about 103°F. That station sits roughly 470 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the loop run a little cooler. The Ballantine Trailhead is the trailhead for Pine Creek Loop, and parking is labeled BALLANTINE TH. The trail is open year-round, and the hike takes about an hour. Ballantine is a hike about a mile away, and the climbing areas El Oso Rodeo and The Colony are both within about 3 miles. Riverside Campground, about 9 miles off, is the closest campground.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Oct–Apr

    Best time to visit Pine Creek Loop

    Best months: October–April. 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

      61° / 32°

      4 wet

    2. Feb

      66° / 36°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      73° / 41°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      81° / 47°

      2 wet

    5. May

      90° / 55°

      1 wet

    6. Jun

      100° / 63°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      103° / 72°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      101° / 71°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      96° / 64°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      85° / 51°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      71° / 40°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      60° / 32°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Punkin Ctr, AZ, 12.5 mi away at 2,325 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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