Mt. Ord Trail

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4.3/5 (8 reviews)
Payson, Arizona (Maricopa County)
Last Updated: 07/07/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

If you have ever visited Phoenix, Arizona in the summertime, you probably know why it is the air conditioning capital of the U.S. It's during these months when most Phoenicians look at any outdoor activity as nothing short of cruel and unusual punishment, so it shouldn't surprise readers to know that we are always thinking of ways of escaping the heat by invading the northern portion of this great state. The problem is that many of us don't have the luxury to visit Flagstaff or Pinetop for an extended period of time. Fortunately, there is a quick solution, and that is a brief trip to this very easy trail located in the Tonto National Forest. Now if you are looking for a challenging trail, this isn't your route. The trail is comfortably graded, and the most serious danger you will encounter is probably the complacency you will feel when driving faster than you would on more technical trails. That being said, this trail isn't without reward. You will be greeted by a gorgeous view of the expansive Tonto wilderness, all the while experiencing 20-30º cooler temperature than the pits of hell.... I mean Phoenix. The top of Mt. Ord is a great spot for sunset watching, date night, or even camping. There are many campsites available throughout the trail, and they are typically empty. This trail also offers excellent stargazing and astronomy photography spots. The trail is pretty short - it only took me thirty minutes to make it to the top, so next time you have a couple hours to burn and don't feel like prepping your recovery equipment, head up ASR 87 and check out Mt. Ord.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (8)
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 05/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I would say in terms of scenery or reasons to visit it’s just average. There isn’t really much in terms of scenery and when you get to the top there isn’t really anywhere to enjoy that view. Near the top there is a section of clear way from trees etc impeding the views, and right there is nice but it’s not a section you can stop on because the trail is narrow and you’ve to clear these sections so you don’t meet another vehicle coming up or down. The top is also gated off and you can’t go to the top in the vehicle. So it’s like you drive an hour to be 99% the way there, which is a bit disappointing. Overall it was ok, but I won’t be doing it again mainly because there’s maybe 2 places you can pull over and everywhere else you need to keep moving because it’s only enough room for 1 vehicle in the majority of places. I think there’s much better places to go. I was fully aired initially, and airing down to 18psi will May it much easier and more comfortable
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Official Crew
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2100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is a great easy little trail! There are really beautiful views of Roosevelt lake at the top. There is also a short hike to get to the top of Mt. Ord.
Trail Review: Mt. Ord Trail - James Molenaar
Trail Review: Mt. Ord Trail - James Molenaar
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Open
Visited: 10/13/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great trail for a day trip. Headed up today, in good condition, views are spectacular. Plan on returning for a night of camping.
Trail Review: Mt. Ord Trail - Kevin Lippert
Trail Review: Mt. Ord Trail - Kevin Lippert
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Official Crew
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77300
Open
Visited: 07/07/2021

Arizona National Forests and State Lands are back open for travel. There are still some very important fire restrictions in place. These restrictions can often change by specific areas.
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Official Crew
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77300
Temporary Closure
Visited: 06/25/2021

Tonto National Forest officials will close the state’s largest national forest due to ongoing extreme fire danger beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 25. The forest is implementing this forest closure as a precaution to protect the health and safety of the public, employees and firefighters by reducing the risk of human-caused fires. No one is allowed in the closure area, including Forest Service personnel, unless they are responding to a wildfire or other emergency or patrolling to ensure enforcement of the closure. The order shall remain in effect until July 31, 2021 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. Residents or businesses using roads in the restricted area to the extent necessary to access their private property are exempt.

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