Arizona · Hiking

Sheep Saddle

3.0 mi
round trip
253 ft
climb
7,271 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Sheep Saddle open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Sheep Saddle is an easy out-and-back hike in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. The trail runs about 3 miles round trip, with a total elevation gain of about 250 feet, from a low point of roughly 6,457 feet to a high of about 7,271 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is marked as Sheep Saddle Trailhead (#16). The route is natural-surface and open to both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 68°F in April to 72°F in October, while July and August bring highs near 89°F and the most wet days of the year. The Hot Air trailhead sits about a mile away, with the Hot Air Spur hike and the Eagle National Recreation Tr mountain biking route close by. For an overnight stay, Strayhorse Campground is about 5.7 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 Sheep Saddle

    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, 21.8 mi away at 6,065 ft. The station sits about 1,200 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.