Arizona · Hiking

Sardine

3.8 mi
round trip
1,992 ft
climb
6,247 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Sardine open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Sardine is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 3.8 miles in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, within the Clifton Ranger District. The trail climbs roughly 910 feet one way, with the high point near 6,247 feet and the low point around 5,338 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced, with bikes and horses allowed. The steepest stretch comes within the first quarter mile, where the grade reaches about 25 percent, so plan for that early climb. The trail starts at Cave Creek Trailhead, listed as #10, and the trip takes about 2.5 hours. It is open year-round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. 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 the most wet days of the year. Nearby, the Fry Trailhead Cave Creek mountain biking area is about 0.6 miles away, and Granville Campground sits about 1.6 miles off. Eagle Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 7.2 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Sardine

    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, 30.8 mi away at 6,065 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.