Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
Trailheads in Arizona
Near Young, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.
The conditions at Carr Lake Trailhead call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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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.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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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.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Terrain Gear
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Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
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Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
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PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The Forest landscape around Carr Lake Trailhead makes it well suited for backpacking, boating, fishing.
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
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boating — Always wear life jackets and follow local water safety rules.
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fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
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hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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swimming — Be mindful of currents, depth, and posted safety guidelines.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
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 Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.
Wildlife safety at Carr Lake Trailhead comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 25/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Far from city (88mi).
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Far from city (88mi)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .
- 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 Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Nature at Carr Lake Trailhead includes 1 tree species, 4 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Trees (1)
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Arizona sycamore — Trunks may become massive near the base.
Wildflowers (4)
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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 — It blooms in spring.
Shrubs (3)
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Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. -
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Adapted to desert heat, this cactus stores water in thick stems and tolerates prolonged drought. -
Sonoran scrub oak — The plant forms thickets in arid landscapes.
Other Plants (5)
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saguaro
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Buckhorn Cholla
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jojoba
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Panamint liveforever
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ocotillo
Mammals (1)
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White-tailed Deer — Bucks grow antlers annually, shedding them each winter.
Birds (30)
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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)
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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)
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Canyon Tree Frog -
Red-spotted Toad -
Lowland Leopard Frog
Insects (6)
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Pipevine Swallowtail -
Queen -
Marine Blue -
Gray Buckeye -
Dainty Sulphur
Other Wildlife (1)
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Desert Blonde Tarantula
Nature Bingo at Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino Climate & Sun
Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.
Expect Temperate weather at Carr Lake Trailhead, with the most comfortable conditions from Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Climate type: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 50.1°F
Annual precipitation: 33.3 in
With an average annual temperature of 50.1°F and 33.3 inches of precipitation, Carr Lake Trailhead has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 4.6 in |
| Feb | 36°F | 4.2 in |
| Mar | 41°F | 3.7 in |
| Apr | 46°F | 1.4 in |
| May | 55°F | 1.0 in |
| Jun | 65°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 69°F | 3.4 in |
| Aug | 67°F | 4.1 in |
| Sep | 62°F | 2.3 in |
| Oct | 52°F | 1.7 in |
| Nov | 42°F | 2.3 in |
| Dec | 34°F | 4.3 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
Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Carr Lake Trailhead.
Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Carr Lake Trailhead.
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: Good starting point
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)
Places Near Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.
Extend your visit with these nearby options — 13 destinations sit within range of Carr Lake Trailhead.
Nearby Trails
- Aspen Trail, Coconino 0.36 mi
- Drew Canyon Trail, Coconino 0.59 mi
- Woods Canyon Nature Trail Conn, Coconino 1.04 mi
- Drew Trail, Gila 1.09 mi
- Boulder Hop Trail, Coconino 1.29 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.
Stargazing at Carr Lake Trailhead benefits from Rural/suburban transition darkness — Bortle class 4 on the light pollution scale.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.
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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.
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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.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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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:
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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 Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.
Each season reveals a different side of Carr Lake Trailhead, 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 Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino
The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.
The land around Carr Lake Trailhead 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).
Data from Native Land Digital
Carr Lake Trailhead, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Carr Lake Trailhead 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
Carr Lake Trailhead, 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 Carr Lake Trailhead.
Coordinates: 34.337425, -110.970758