Hells Gate Trail,
Tonto National Forest

Located 10.8 miles from Payson, Arizona (AZ)
4 Stars
20,380 Steps 1  (9.2 mi)
Trails › National Forests › Tonto › Hells Gate Trail

Elevation

The Hells Gate Trail has a maximum elevation of 5,696 ft., a minimum elevation of 3,970 ft. and an elevation range of 1,726 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
9.2 mi3,970 ft5,696 ft1,726 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
4.2 hrs129.81,558 ft1,440 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
4.4 hrs120.01,440 ft1,558 ft
Data Accuracy
No Star Rating
Data Reliability
No Star Rating

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Hells Gate Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Kehl Ridge, AZ
  2. North Topo Map: Dane Canyon, AZ
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Knoll Lake, AZ
  4. West Topo Map: Payson North, AZ
  5. Topo Map: Diamond Point, AZ
  6. East Topo Map: Promontory Butte, AZ
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Payson South, AZ
  8. South Topo Map: McDonald Mountain, AZ
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Diamond Butte, AZ

FAQ

Is this trail known by any other names?
Yes, this trail is also known as Hells Gate Trail #37.

What is the length of the Hells Gate Trail?
The length of the trail is 9.2 miles (14.8 km) or 20,380 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Hells Gate Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 4.2 hours in one direction and in 4.4 hours in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.