Arizona · Hiking

Three Forks

9.4 mi
round trip
343 ft
climb
8,226 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun, Sep
best months

Is Three Forks open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Three Forks is a 9.4-mile out-and-back hike in Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, within the Alpine Ranger District. It is a hard route, with a 343-foot climb from the low point at 7,887 feet to the high point at 8,226 feet. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and built on natural surface, and it is not an accessible trail. The trail is open year-round, and it carries both horses and bikes. The nearest town is Alpine, and the hike sits within the Alpine Ranger District. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Alpine weather station show May highs around 69°F and October highs around 64°F. Midsummer is the wettest stretch, with July and August bringing about 13 to 15 wet days a month. Diamond Rock Campground is just 0.1 mile from the trail, and Deer Creek (east Fork-Black River) and Raccoon Campground are both within a few miles. For paddling, the North Fork East Fork Black River is about 3.7 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 Three Forks

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