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San Pedro Trail

ExpertArizona · United States

GPX
Distance
41.6 km (25.8 mi)
Elevation gain
253 m (830 ft)
Typical time
10 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1,262 m (4,140 ft)

About San Pedro Trail

San Pedro Trail is a 41.6 km hiking route in Arizona, United States. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The route is maintained by Bureau of Land Management.

In short, San Pedro Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert41.6 km253 m1,262 m

Numbered marks every 10 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+253 m
Descent
253 m
High
1,262 m (4,140 ft)
Low
1,127 m (3,698 ft)
1111 m1153 m1195 m1236 m1278 m0.0 km10 km20 km30 km41 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Waymarked and signposted

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
36/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
55/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
19/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
10/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Real food, not just snacks
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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