Arizona · Hiking

Pipestem

22.1 mi
round trip
824 ft
climb
6,692 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Pipestem open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Pipestem is a 22-mile out-and-back hike in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 5,200 feet to roughly 6,690 feet, a total elevation gain of 824 feet, and is rated hard. The trailhead is Pipestem Trailhead (#545), and the route stays open year-round. The trail is natural-surfaced and carries horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. For comfortable conditions, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 72°F, while July and August bring highs near 89°F and about 11 or 12 wet days a month. Turkey Trail lies about a mile away, and Mallet Trail and Ad Bar are both within two miles. For an overnight stay, Upper Juan Miller Campground is about 7 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Pipestem

    Best months: May and September–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

      52° / 20°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 22°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 27°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 31°

      3 wet

    5. May

      77° / 39°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      88° / 49°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 55°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 55°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      81° / 49°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      72° / 36°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 27°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 20°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Black Rvr Pumps, AZ, 24.1 mi away at 6,065 ft. The station sits about 600 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.