Arizona · Mountain biking

The Cut

0.3 mi
round trip
76 ft
climb
Mixed
surface
Out and back
route
Nov–Apr
best months

Is The Cut open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Mesa Ranger District. It doesn't name The Cut, 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.

The Cut is a short, easy mountain biking ride in Arizona's Tonto National Forest, within the Mesa Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is an out-and-back of about 0.66 miles with a total climb of 76 feet, making it a quick stop for riders looking to stretch their legs on a low-effort outing. The climb is front-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 0.13 miles in, where the grade reaches 7 percent. The route starts at a low point of 1,531 feet and peaks at 1,601 feet before returning to the same level. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at E Mesa show March highs around 77°F and November highs around 77°F, while June and July average in the mid-100s. Several other trails sit close by. Ridge Trail is about 0.2 miles away, Saguaro Trail about 0.3 miles, and Granite Trail about 0.4 miles. For an overnight stay, Larry Forbis campground is roughly 6.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Nov–Apr

    Best time to visit The Cut

    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

      68° / 41°

      4 wet

    2. Feb

      70° / 43°

      4 wet

    3. Mar

      77° / 48°

      3 wet

    4. Apr

      85° / 53°

      1 wet

    5. May

      94° / 62°

      1 wet

    6. Jun

      104° / 71°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      106° / 79°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      105° / 78°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      100° / 71°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      90° / 59°

      2 wet

    11. Nov

      77° / 48°

      2 wet

    12. Dec

      66° / 40°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at E Mesa, AZ, 6.2 mi away at 1,518 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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