Arizona · Hiking

S Canyon

11.9 mi
round trip
2,051 ft
climb
7,755 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is S Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

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

S Canyon is a hard hike in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, within the Alpine Ranger District. It is a long, steep out-and-back, with a one-way climb of about 2,051 feet from a low point of 5,624 feet to a high point of 7,755 feet. The trail runs on natural surface, and the Forest Service manages the land. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from the Alpine weather station, 17.5 miles away, show May highs near 69°F and October highs around 64°F. July and August bring the most wet days, about 13 to 15 a month. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. The trail is not accessible. The parking area is at the Blue Admin Trailhead, and the route is open year-round. Several other hikes start close by, including Lanphier at 0.1 mile and Largo at 0.6 mile. Blue Crossing Campground is about 3 miles away, and the Blue River, a canoeing spot, is roughly 6.6 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit S Canyon

    Best months: June and September. 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° / 15°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      48° / 18°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      54° / 23°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      61° / 26°

      3 wet

    5. May

      69° / 31°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      78° / 39°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 47°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 46°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 39°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 30°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 22°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 16°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Alpine, AZ, 17.5 mi away at 8,050 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.