Arizona · Hiking · Pine Mountain Wilderness

Short Cut

2.9 mi
round trip
399 ft
climb
6,101 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Short Cut open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Verde Ranger District. It doesn't name Short Cut, 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.

Short Cut is a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Pine Mountain Wilderness, part of the Verde Ranger District of Prescott National Forest. The trail rises from about 5,760 feet to about 6,100 feet, a climb of roughly 400 feet, and is rated moderate. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is natural-surfaced, with horses allowed but bikes not. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 70°F in April to 74°F in October, while July highs average about 91°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The hike is open year-round. Pine Mountain and Double T are both within about 1.5 miles, and the Verde River offers canoeing about 1.6 miles away. Sycamore Cabin, a campground, is about 9.4 miles off.

Local outfitters

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