Arizona · Hiking

Side Oats Loop

4.0 mi
round trip
76 ft
climb
3,469 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
best months

Is Side Oats Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Red Rock Ranger District. It doesn't name Side Oats Loop, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

Side Oats Loop is a 4-mile out-and-back hike in the Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest in Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated moderate, with a total elevation gain of about 76 feet, and it runs on natural ground rather than a developed surface. It is not an accessible trail. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Tuzigoot weather station, at a similar elevation, show April highs around 79°F and October highs around 83°F, while July averages climb to about 101°F. Mountain bikers will find several routes close by, including Tissaw Direct and Lower Side Oats Sec. 1, both about 0.3 miles away. Mingus Mountain Campground, about 9 miles off, offers a place to stay, and Dry Beaver Creek, roughly 10 miles away, is a paddling option.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov

    Best time to visit Side Oats Loop

    Best months: January–April and October–November. 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

      61° / 30°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      65° / 33°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      71° / 38°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      79° / 43°

      3 wet

    5. May

      88° / 51°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      99° / 59°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      101° / 67°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      98° / 66°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      93° / 58°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      83° / 47°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      71° / 36°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      60° / 29°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Tuzigoot, AZ, 5.6 mi away at 3,470 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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