Photo: Chris English / CC BY-SA 3.0

Trails 2,332 ft 4.2 mi moderate NAT - NATIVE MATERIAL Bortle 4 Solitude: 75/100 (remote)

Arizona's 4.2-mile route traverses moderate-solitude terrain (52°F average, 30 inches precipitation) with abundant birds (30 species). Spring through fall showcases diverse desert-to-forest transitions.

What to Pack for 235 Road, Coconino

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

The conditions at 235 Road call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Trekking poles — Trekking poles also serve as emergency splint supports, tarp poles, or probes for testing snow depth.
Ankle-support boots — Stiff soles transfer less impact on rocky terrain, reducing foot fatigue over long distances.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit 235 Road, Coconino

The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The Mountain Forest landscape around 235 Road makes it well suited for boating, fishing, hiking.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

boating — Always wear life jackets and follow local water safety rules.
fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
running — From flat paths to rolling hills, running outdoors adds variety to your routine.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
swimming — Be mindful of currents, depth, and posted safety guidelines.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Mountain Forest — Streams, ravines, and varied canopy structure are common.

Wildlife Safety at 235 Road, Coconino

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Wildlife safety at 235 Road comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 25/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Far from city (90mi).

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (90mi)

UV risk: moderate (Southern latitude (34N), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.

Western Diamondback

Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at 235 Road, Coconino

The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Nature at 235 Road includes 1 tree species, 4 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Trees (1)

Arizona sycamore — Large lobed leaves resemble those of other sycamores.

Wildflowers (4)

purple owl's-clover — Showy clusters blending bracts and small flowers.
pinkflower hedgehog cactus — Low-growing cactus forming rounded clusters.
California poppy — Four-petaled blooms that close at night or in cool weather.
Coulter's lupine — Purple to blue pea-like flowers form tall spikes.

Shrubs (3)

Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Ribbed stems grow close to the ground and may form tight clusters over time. Spines range from straw-colored to reddish brown, offering protection from herbivores.
Sonoran scrub oak — Leaves are dark green and spiny along the margins.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Buckhorn Cholla
jojoba
Panamint liveforever
ocotillo

Mammals (1)

White-tailed Deer — Bucks grow antlers annually, shedding them each winter.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn
European Starling — Sleek dark breeding plumage with yellow bill
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Squared tail with white tips
Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks

Reptiles (7)

Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.

Amphibians (3)

Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad
Lowland Leopard Frog

Insects (6)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Queen
Marine Blue
Gray Buckeye
Dainty Sulphur

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Blonde Tarantula

Nature Bingo at 235 Road, Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Black-throated Gray Warbler (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Ornate Tree Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

235 Road, Coconino Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Expect Temperate weather at 235 Road, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 52°F

Annual precipitation: 29.9 in

With an average annual temperature of 52°F and 29.9 inches of precipitation, 235 Road has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 71°F, while winter lows drop to 36°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

Winter 36°

3.9"

Spring 48°

1.1"

Summer 71°

3.3"

Fall 54°

1.7"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	36°F	3.9 in
Feb	38°F	3.6 in
Mar	43°F	3.3 in
Apr	48°F	1.1 in
May	56°F	0.9 in
Jun	66°F	0.3 in
Jul	71°F	3.3 in
Aug	69°F	4.0 in
Sep	64°F	2.3 in
Oct	54°F	1.7 in
Nov	44°F	2.0 in
Dec	36°F	3.5 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:36 PM

Winter: 7:22 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:22 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:36 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:36 PM Golden hour from 6:59 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:35 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:32 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

235 Road, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for 235 Road.

Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach 235 Road.

Nearest city: Phoenix (90 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $22.45 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 72.6 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (good), elderly-friendly (challenging).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: good (Steep climb (>1000ft))
Elderly: challenging (Moderate distance (1-2mi), Significant elevation (>200ft), Unpaved surface)
Strollers: not_recommended (20/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near 235 Road, Coconino

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Extend your visit with these nearby options — 11 destinations sit within range of 235 Road.

Nearby Trails

Mogollon Rim Snowmobile a Trail, Coconino 0.2 mi
Gray Wolf Trail, Coconino 0.29 mi
Sardine Snowmobile Trail, Coconino 0.65 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Sinkhole Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino 0.68 mi
Rim Cg Campground, Coconino 0.68 mi
Rim Campground (N, 0mi), Coconino 0.68 mi
Fr 171 Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino 1.93 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at 235 Road, Coconino

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

Stargazing at 235 Road benefits from Rural/suburban transition darkness — Bortle class 4 on the light pollution scale.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at 235 Road, Coconino

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

Each season reveals a different side of 235 Road, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at 235 Road, Coconino

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

The land around 235 Road has been home to Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) for thousands of years.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (South).

Dilzhę́’é (South)

Data from Native Land Digital

235 Road, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, 235 Road sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Permian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Kaibab Formation; Toroweap Formation; Coconino Sandstone
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,limestone}, Minor:{chert}
Age: Permian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 1
Unique Species: 1
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 20
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Manganese, Iron, Barium-Barite, Fire Clay (Refractory), Kaolin, Clay, Silica, Sand and Gravel

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 96°F (2005-07-12)
Record Low: -22°F (1949-01-04)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 172
Largest Fire: Dudley (20,116.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a humid climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Upper Wildcat Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 5 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 30/100

235 Road, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Conditions change quickly outdoors. These links provide current data for the area around 235 Road.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PLEASANT VALLEY, AZ US (14.72 mi)