Overview
McKenna Park is an alpine meadow in the Mogollon Mountains of Gila National Forest, sitting above 9,000 feet at the edge of the Gila Wilderness. The term "park" in the Southwest refers to a natural meadow clearing in high forest, and McKenna Park is a classic example: an open grassy expanse surrounded by old-growth ponderosa, Engelmann spruce, and white fir.
The Mogollon Mountains form the core of Gila National Forest and contain some of the most remote terrain in the lower 48 states. The Gila Wilderness, which the trail enters partway up, was the first area in the United States designated as wilderness, proposed by Aldo Leopold in 1924. McKenna Park sits near the lower margin of the wilderness designation and gives access to that character without requiring the multi-day commitment of the deeper Gila backcountry.
The trail provides the forest's best example of old-growth Mogollon Mountain character without the summit commitment of Whitewater Baldy. The old-growth ponderosa pines along the lower and middle trail sections reach diameters rarely seen at lower elevations, with cinnamon-orange plated bark extending far overhead.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Trailhead to Old-Growth Zone
The trail begins at an FR-141 trailhead in mixed conifer forest and climbs moderately through second-growth ponderosa and some Gambel oak in the lower drainage. Within the first mile the forest transitions to old-growth character, with ponderosa pines of notable diameter and spacing that gives the forest an open, cathedral-like feel underfoot. The trail is typically well-defined through this section and gains elevation steadily on a northwest-facing slope that holds moisture longer into the season than the south-facing approaches.
Miles 1.5 to 3.25: Climb to McKenna Park
The trail steepens as it crosses the wilderness boundary, marked by a standard brown USFS sign. The forest here transitions to higher-elevation species: Engelmann spruce and white fir appear alongside the ponderosa, and the understory thickens with mountain muhly grass and scattered mountain gentian in late summer. The meadow opening of McKenna Park appears at mile 3.25, announced by a brightening of the light through the treeline before the full clearing becomes visible. The park itself is roughly 10 to 15 acres of native grasses and forbs, surrounded on three sides by spruce-fir forest. The surrounding treeline frames views of the Mogollon ridgeline to the north and west, with the high terrain of Whitewater Baldy visible on clear days.
Miles 3.25 to 6.5: Return
Descend the same route. The old-growth sections are worth a slower pace on the way down; the large ponderosa pines and the forest structure are easier to take in when you are not focused on the climb.
When to Hike
June through October is the accessible season. Snow typically clears the upper trail by mid-June, though early visitors should verify conditions on FR-141 and the upper trail before committing to the drive in.
September through October offers the best overall conditions: elk rut activity is high in the meadow and surrounding forest, fall foliage frames the park opening, and temperatures are cool enough for a comfortable climb. The elk presence in September can be remarkable; many visitors report seeing small herds in and around the meadow at dawn and dusk.
July through August: monsoon wildflowers fill the meadow with thistle, cinquefoil, and late-season asters. Start early for lightning safety, as the exposed meadow becomes vulnerable by early afternoon when monsoon buildups begin over the peaks.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2.5 liters of water for this 6.5-mile route; the elevation and dry forest air mean the body loses moisture faster than the temperature might suggest. A seasonal spring near the meadow edge can be filtered if you carry a filter, though reliability varies by year. Binoculars are worth packing for elk and raptor watching in and around the meadow. A warm layer is important for the exposed park section, where temperatures can drop significantly from the trailhead even in July.
Trailhead Access
The trailhead is on FR-141 in the Mogollon Mountains. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). A high-clearance vehicle is required for FR-141; the road involves rocky and potentially muddy sections that are not suitable for passenger cars. No facilities at the trailhead. The drive in from the nearest paved road is part of the experience and takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on road conditions.
Nearby
Whitewater Baldy Summit Trail continues higher in the Mogollons for those wanting the full summit experience at over 10,800 feet. Gila River Canyon Trail at the Cliff Dwellings provides the canyon counterpart to this forest hike, at lower elevation and with very different desert-canyon character.
Check road conditions at checking conditions before you go before attempting FR-141. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including camping at existing sites and packing out all waste in the wilderness.