Round the Mountain Trail #302

Round the Mountain Trail #302 is a long-distance hiking route in the Mount Graham Wilderness of Arizona’s Coronado National Forest. It’s managed as a numbered trail component within the broader Round the Mountain system.

Plan on a tough outing: it’s commonly described as extremely strenuous (black diamond) with steep, rugged terrain and a large elevation gain. Treat it as a serious backpacking/camping objective rather than a day hike project.

The full route is about 30.3 miles if you hike it as an out-and-back. Depending on how you link segments, some listings also describe it as shorter when walked point-to-point (around 13.4 miles).

Start logistics typically revolve around Round the Mountain Dispersed Campground and Trailhead (Swift Trail milepost 7.6). Access is also commonly done from Swift Trail milepost 8.1 via connections such as Noon Creek Trail #302A (often listed as #302A/Noon Creek cutoffs).

Expect alpine, wilderness-grade tread through heavily wooded country as you climb and traverse. The range of elevation commonly cited runs from roughly 5,516 feet to about 8,760 feet.

Because the trail spends time in deep forest and drainages, scout the exact line and surface you’ll be on before committing—especially if there’s been rain or runoff. In wet conditions, plan for slick, muddy footing and slower travel over the steeper sections.

If you’re using the Round the Mountain Dispersed Campground and Trailhead base, keep expectations tight on amenities: it’s described as not having restrooms, potable water, or picnic tables, and it notes no trash service (pack it in/pack it out).

Bring the navigation you trust and give yourself enough time: the typical effort estimate for the full out-and-back is about 20 to 22 hours, reflecting the steep profile and the need to move carefully.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Round the Mountain Trail #302 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs