Differential
- 0.4 mi
- round trip
- 139 ft
- climb
- Singletrack
- surface
- Out and back
- route
- Mar–Jul, Sep–Nov
- best months
Is Differential open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Differential, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).
Temporary Emergency Closure
Agency closure covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · Order 03-01-26-004 · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Scott Reservoir Recreation Site Closure - Lakeside RD
Agency closure covering Lakeside Ranger District · Order 03-01-07-26-001 · USFS · Lakeside Ranger District
Benny Creek Campground/Southfork Day Use Area Closure Order - Springerville Ranger District
Agency closure covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · Order 03-01-25-06-004 · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Forest Road Conditions Alert
Agency alert covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
No Fire Restrictions
Agency alert covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests · USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Differential is a short, out-and-back mountain biking route in the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The ride is about 0.8 miles long, with a total climb of 139 feet and a high point of 6,756 feet. The start sits at about 6,749 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at roughly 0.24 miles in, with a grade of about 4 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Show Low put May highs around 74°F and October highs around 68°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 12 to 14 a month. The route sits close to several other trails. Buena Vista Trail and Trail Faries are each about 0.1 mile away, and Below The B-Backs and Cortalis II are about 0.4 mile off. For an overnight stay, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground is about 4.8 miles away.
Best time to go · Mar–Jul, Sep–Nov
Best time to visit Differential
Best months: March–July and September–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.
Jan
46° / 24°
7 wet · 2 snow
Feb
51° / 27°
6 wet · 1 snow
Mar
58° / 31°
6 wet · 1 snow
Apr
65° / 37°
4 wet · 1 snow
May
74° / 44°
4 wet
Jun
84° / 54°
4 wet
Jul
85° / 59°
12 wet
Aug
83° / 58°
14 wet
Sep
78° / 52°
8 wet
Oct
68° / 41°
5 wet
Nov
56° / 31°
5 wet · 1 snow
Dec
46° / 23°
6 wet · 2 snow
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Show Low Ap, AZ, 4.8 mi away at 6,411 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Keep exploring — more rides worth the drive
Ice Cave
~11 min drive
Ice Cave is a 3.39-mile trail in Arizona's Trails near Pinetop-Lakeside system.
Pinecrest
~12 min drive
Pinecrest is a 0.06-mile trail in Arizona with 13 ft of elevation gain.
Big Springs
~11 min drive
0.59-mile trail in Arizona with 51 ft elevation gain
RIDE
Buena Vista Trail
Next door
Short desert singletrack perfect for beginners or quick rides through classic Arizona terrain.
RIDE
Trail Faries
Next door
Short beginner-friendly desert singletrack perfect for skill building and quick rides.
RIDE
Differential
Next door
Short technical singletrack perfect for skills practice in classic Arizona desert terrain.
RIDE
Differential
Next door
Short technical singletrack offering varied desert terrain challenges in under a mile.
RIDE
Below The B-Backs
Next door
Short technical desert singletrack perfect for skills practice and warm-ups.
RIDE
Cortalis II
Next door
Short desert singletrack perfect for skill building and quick rides in classic Arizona terrain.
RIDE
Grindstone
Next door
Short desert singletrack perfect for quick rides and skill building in classic Arizona terrain.
Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors
