Arizona · Hiking

Squirrel Canyon

20.5 mi
round trip
1,005 ft
climb
8,747 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Squirrel Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Squirrel Canyon is a 20.5-mile out-and-back route in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, within the Clifton Ranger District. It rises from about 5,400 feet to 8,747 feet, with an elevation gain of 1,005 feet, and is managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated hard. The route is natural-surfaced and allows both horses and bikes. Honeymoon Campground sits just 0.1 mile away, so it makes a convenient base for the climb. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Alpine run from highs near 69°F and lows around 31°F in May to highs near 72°F and lows around 39°F in September. Summer brings more frequent wet days, with about 13 in July and 15 in August. The trail starts at the Warren Canyon Trailhead (#46), and the route is open year-round. The closest outings are Robinson Mesa, about 0.8 mile away, and Coyote, about 1.2 miles away. Warren Canyon and Mud Springs are a little farther out, at about 3 and 3.7 miles.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Squirrel 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, 32.3 mi away at 8,050 ft. The station sits about 700 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.