Arizona · Hiking · Bear Wallow Wilderness

Schell Canyon

5.5 mi
round trip
2,469 ft
climb
8,600 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Schell Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Schell Canyon is a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Bear Wallow Wilderness, within the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The trail climbs from about 7,490 feet to roughly 8,600 feet, with a total elevation gain of 2,469 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 1.5 miles in, where the grade reaches 17 percent. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is rated moderate. The trail is natural-surface and not accessible. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The trip takes about three hours, and the trail is open year-round. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Alpine, AZ, show May highs around 69°F and October highs around 64°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 13 to 15 a month. Nearby hikes include Rose Spring, about 2.5 miles away, and Cow Head and Border, each about 3 miles off. For an overnight stay, Kp Cienega Campground sits about 7 miles from the trail.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Schell 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, 26.6 mi away at 8,050 ft. The station sits about 600 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.