Arizona · Hiking

Wind Cave

Wind CavePhoto: homeredwardprice, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.8 mi
round trip
1,015 ft
climb
3,059 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Nov–Apr
best months

Is Wind Cave open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Mesa Ranger District. It doesn't name Wind Cave, so check the source for the area it covers.

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

Wind Cave is a moderate out-and-back hike in Arizona's Tonto National Forest, within the Mesa Ranger District. The trail is about 2.8 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,015 feet, taking you from a low point of 2,032 feet to a high of 3,059 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is natural-surfaced and open year-round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Apache Junction show March highs around 77°F and November highs around 76°F, while July and August average in the mid-100s. That station sits roughly 1,000 feet below the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The Pass Mountain Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and the Talon Trail and Pass Mountain Loop are within half a mile. For an overnight stay, Larry Forbis campground is about 5.6 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Nov–Apr

    Best time to visit Wind Cave

    Best months: November–April. 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

      67° / 43°

      4 wet

    2. Feb

      70° / 44°

      4 wet

    3. Mar

      77° / 48°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      85° / 53°

      2 wet

    5. May

      93° / 60°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      103° / 69°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      105° / 77°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      104° / 76°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      99° / 71°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      88° / 60°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      76° / 50°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      66° / 42°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Apache Junction 5 Ne, AZ, 7.3 mi away at 2,070 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Wind Cave TrailPhoto: homeredwardprice, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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