Photo: Dyan Bone; Kaibab National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 6,998 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Big Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been used since the 1800s, first by homesteaders and later the Forest Service. The complex consists of seven rental cabins, dining hall, shower house, group kitchen, a historic office, and several administrative structures. Recreation Big Springs Cabins are located on Forest Road 22. This road provides easy access to scenic overlooks of the Grand Canyon and other points of interest on the forest. The site is a perfect base camp for day hikes or drives on the Kaibab Plateau and for group retreats in the cool pines. Facilities While Big Springs serves as an active administrative site for the U.S. Forest Service, the rental cabins available to the public are in a discrete location separated from the administrative structures. Individual cabins vary in occupancy from two to four people per cabin and include use of the shared shower house, fully furnished kitchen, dining room, and living room. There are toilets and showers on site, but not in the cabins. There are no laundry facilities. There are seven cabins. Cabins 1 - 6 each have two twin-size beds and one full-size bed. Cabin 7 has one queen-sized bed only. Please bring your own linens, blankets, pillows, towels, toiletries and food. An on-site host is present. Administrative buildings are not open to the public. Natural Features Big Springs is the most abundant water source on the Kaibab Plateau. Water from the springs runs down a limestone cliff and pools near the cabins. Nestled among lush vegetation and several ponds, the area is surrounded by ponderosa pine and rolling hills. A visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is an easy day trip from the cabins. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 643-7395. Nearby Attractions The Big Springs Cabins Site is located approximately 30 minutes from the Fredonia, AZ/Kanab, UT area and is within a one-hour drive of several scenic overlooks on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Near Fredonia, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.

Don't underpack for Big Springs Cabin Site. The conditions here — Forest, Temperate, bears — call for thoughtful gear choices.

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

Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
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.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Layering lets you regulate temperature as conditions change, preventing the sweat buildup that causes chills later.
Hand warmers — Beyond comfort, hand warmers can help treat mild hypothermia by warming blood flowing through the extremities.
Thermos — A thermos also works in reverse: cold water stays cold in summer heat, encouraging steady hydration.

Terrain Gear

SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

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

Activity options at Big Springs Cabin Site range from casual () to more demanding ().

The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
glamping — It's ideal for those seeking scenery without roughing it.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
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.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
soaking — Follow posted guidelines to preserve delicate spring ecosystems.
stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
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: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.

Wildlife Safety at Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.

Responsible visitors at Big Springs Cabin Site should be aware of 2 wildlife-related considerations.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (158mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: moderate (Mid latitude (37N), Elevated (6,998ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .

Black Bear

Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.

If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

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.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

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 Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

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

From towering Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak to delicate Stansbury's Cliffrose, the vegetation here creates habitat for 5 mammal species and 10 birds.

Trees (2)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.
Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.

Shrubs (2)

Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Engelmann's hedgehog cactus is a low, clumping barrel cactus with cylindrical stems covered in dense radial spines. Flowers are large and showy, typically magenta to pink, blooming in late spring.

Other Plants (5)

Whipple Cholla
Spinystar
Kingcup Cactus
Utah Juniper
Plains Pricklypear

Mammals (5)

Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build.
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Bushy tail and alert posture.
Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs.
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — Slender body adapted to hot climates.

Birds (10)

Common Raven — Heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail
Horned Lark — White outer tail feathers
California Condor — Bare orange head
Bald Eagle — Massive hooked yellow bill
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — White throat

Reptiles (9)

Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.

Insects (7)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Hunt's Bumble Bee
Pandora Pinemoth
Anicia Checkerspot
Painted Lady

Nature Bingo at Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

California Condor (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Desert Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Whipple Cholla (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino Climate & Sun

The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Big Springs Cabin Site.

Reference climate data for planning your visit to Big Springs Cabin Site — temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 47.9°F

Annual precipitation: 21.3 in

With an average annual temperature of 47.9°F and 21.3 inches of precipitation, Big Springs Cabin Site has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 68°F, while winter lows drop to 31°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Dec.

Winter 31°

2.0"

Spring 44°

1.7"

Summer 68°

1.9"

Fall 49°

2.4"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	31°F	2.0 in
Feb	33°F	2.0 in
Mar	38°F	2.6 in
Apr	44°F	1.7 in
May	52°F	1.0 in
Jun	63°F	0.4 in
Jul	68°F	1.9 in
Aug	66°F	2.4 in
Sep	60°F	1.7 in
Oct	49°F	2.4 in
Nov	39°F	1.5 in
Dec	31°F	1.7 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:48 PM

Winter: 7:34 AM – 5:14 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:34 AM, Sunset 5:14 PM Golden hour from 4:34 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:48 PM Golden hour from 7:10 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:42 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:10 AM, Sunset 6:38 PM Golden hour from 6:04 PM

Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.

Here are the logistics for getting to Big Springs Cabin Site and what to expect on arrival.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (158 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $39.51 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 127.7 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.

Close-by alternatives and additions to your Big Springs Cabin Site visit include these 11 destinations.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.

The darkness at Big Springs Cabin Site is rated Bortle class 1, offering Excellent dark-sky site conditions year-round.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

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

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings.
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 Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.

The experience at Big Springs Cabin Site shifts with the seasons. Here's a month-by-month overview.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 6998ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino

The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.

Before trails were marked here, Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos knew this land intimately.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Southern Paiute, Diné Bizaad.

Data from Native Land Digital

Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Big Springs Cabin Site 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: 3
Unique Species: 3
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 12
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Copper, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Gold, Silver, Iron, Manganese

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 110°F (2005-07-17)
Record Low: -20°F (1973-01-06)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 55
Largest Fire: MANGUM (71,484.1 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

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

Watershed

Watershed: Jacob Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 8/100

Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.

Before any visit to Big Springs Cabin Site, a quick check of these official sources can prevent surprises.

Nearest weather station: PIPE SPRING NATIONAL MONUMENT, AZ US (28.05 mi)