Arizona · Hiking

Saffel Short Loop

2.8 mi
loop
249 ft
climb
8,578 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Jun, Sep
best months

Is Saffel Short Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Saffel Short Loop, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Saffel Short Loop is a 2.75-mile hike in the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 8,290 feet to about 8,578 feet, with a total elevation gain of 249 feet, and is rated moderate. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Greer weather station show May highs around 66°F and October highs around 61°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 14 to 16 a month. Several other trails sit within about 2 miles, including Homestead and Windmill at 1.5 miles and Crossover at 1.9 miles. For an overnight stay, Benny Creek Campground is about 10 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Saffel Short Loop

    Best months: May–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

      43° / 14°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      45° / 16°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      50° / 22°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      57° / 26°

      3 wet

    5. May

      66° / 33°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 41°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      76° / 47°

      14 wet

    8. Aug

      73° / 46°

      16 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 41°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 30°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      51° / 21°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 14°

      5 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Greer, AZ, 10.2 mi away at 8,275 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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