Arizona · Hiking

Strayhorse

24.6 mi
round trip
6,898 ft
climb
8,240 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Strayhorse open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Strayhorse is a hard hike in the Clifton Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 4,900 feet to 8,240 feet, with a total gain of 6,898 feet over its 24.6-mile length. The steepest stretch comes early, at about 0.6 miles in, with a grade of 19 percent. The route is natural-surface and allows horses, and it is not accessible. Bikes are not allowed. The trailhead is marked as Strayhorse Trailhead (#20), and the hike is open year-round. Plan on about 11.5 hours for the round trip. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from the Alpine, AZ weather station, which sits at a similar elevation, show May highs around 69°F and October highs around 64°F, while July and August bring the most wet days. Red Mountain and Rose Peak Trail both start about 0.1 mile away, and Bear Canyon is about half a mile off. For an overnight base, Strayhorse Campground is about 8 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Strayhorse

    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, 30.6 mi away at 8,050 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.