Arizona · Hiking

Salt Flat

3.2 mi
round trip
1,156 ft
climb
6,259 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Oct
best months

Is Salt Flat open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Verde Ranger District. It doesn't name Salt Flat, so check the source for the area it covers (6 listed).

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

Salt Flat is a hard hike in Arizona's Prescott National Forest, within the Verde Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 3.2 miles, with a one-way climb of 1,156 feet from a low point of 5,097 feet to a high of 6,259 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is known as Salt Flat Trailhead. The trail is natural-surface, and it allows both horses and bikes. That makes it a practical choice for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to go. Typical averages from the nearby Payson weather station run to highs around 72°F in April and 76°F in October, while July highs reach about 93°F. That station sits roughly 1,400 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. The trail is open year-round, and Nelson is a hike just 0.1 mile away. Pine Flat and Double T are each within about a mile. For paddling, the Verde River is about 2.1 miles off.

Local outfitters

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