Arizona · Hiking

Rocky Bluff

Rocky BluffPhoto: USDAgov, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
1.2 mi
round trip
33 ft
climb
7,110 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Rocky Bluff open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Rocky Bluff is a short, easy hike in the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail is about 1.2 miles long, with a low point of 7,063 feet and a high of 7,110 feet, so the climb is only about 33 feet one way. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The route is an out-and-back, and the surface is natural. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so the trail works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the best bets. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Heber run to highs around 71°F in May and 75°F in September, with lows in the upper 30s and 40s. That station sits about 520 feet lower than the high point on this trail, so temperatures up top run a little cooler. The trailhead is at Three Oaks Trailhead, and the Black Canyon Lake Fishing and Boating Site is just 0.1 mile away. Three Oak Trail starts 0.2 mile off, and Gentry Campground is about 1.7 miles away. Black Canyon Rim Campground is roughly 2.7 miles from the trail.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Rocky Bluff

    Best months: April–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

      46° / 20°

    2. Feb

      50° / 23°

    3. Mar

      57° / 28°

    4. Apr

      64° / 32°

    5. May

      71° / 39°

    6. Jun

      82° / 48°

    7. Jul

      83° / 56°

    8. Aug

      81° / 55°

    9. Sep

      75° / 47°

    10. Oct

      67° / 36°

    11. Nov

      55° / 27°

    12. Dec

      46° / 20°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Heber (Black Mesa) Rs, AZ, 9.5 mi away at 6,590 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.

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