Photo: Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 8,891 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Demotte CG near Arizona's Grand Canyon features black bears and 7 mammal species in a very secluded summer and fall destination with 44°F average temps.

Near Grand Canyon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

Pack for Desert terrain, Alpine, and the wildlife considerations above.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
Headlamp (extra) — Remote terrain often takes longer than expected to navigate; a backup headlamp prevents being stranded in darkness if your primary fails.
Emergency bivy — An emergency bivy sack weighs 4-8 ounces and provides wind and rain protection if an injury, storm, or navigation error forces an unplanned night out.
PLB/satellite messenger — A Personal Locator Beacon sends your GPS coordinates to search-and-rescue via satellite, working anywhere on Earth with no cell signal needed.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.
Extra hydration — Altitude increases respiration rate and urine output, depleting fluids faster than at sea level; carry more water than you think you need.
Slow acclimatization advice — Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet triggers altitude sickness in many people; gaining no more than 1,000-1,500 feet of sleeping elevation per day reduces risk.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

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

Whether you're here for camping or looking to try something different, Demotte Cg has options.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

Most visitors at Demotte Cg never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 50/10 means preparation matters.

Danger rating: 50/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Elevated (8,891ft)
Remote (168mi from city)

Altitude risk: moderate

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), High elevation (8,891ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

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

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

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

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

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

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

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

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

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 Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

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

The Desert environment here supports 47 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — The bark is gray and furrowed, while acorns develop singly or in small clusters.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Shrubs (3)

fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.
Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Brown-spined Pricklypear — Bright yellow to orange flowers bloom in spring.

Other Plants (5)

Utah Agave
Colorado Pinyon
Apache plume
Banana Yucca
Utah Juniper

Mammals (7)

Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.
Cliff Chipmunk — A small striped rodent with gray-brown fur and bold facial markings.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail
Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Juniper Titmouse — Plain gray body
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (10)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (1)

Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (8)

Western Carpenter Bee
Painted Lady
Monarch
White-lined Sphinx
Kaibab Paper Wasp

Nature Bingo at Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Wapiti (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
Utah Agave (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The annual average temperature here is 43.6°F, with 30.2 inches of precipitation.

Climate type: Alpine

Annual avg temp: 43.6°F

Annual precipitation: 30.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 43.6°F and 30.2 inches of precipitation, Demotte Cg has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 64°F, while winter lows drop to 27°F.

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

Winter 27°

5.0"

Spring 39°

1.5"

Summer 64°

1.9"

Fall 45°

2.2"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	27°F	5.0 in
Feb	28°F	4.7 in
Mar	34°F	4.0 in
Apr	39°F	1.5 in
May	48°F	1.1 in
Jun	59°F	0.6 in
Jul	64°F	1.9 in
Aug	62°F	2.8 in
Sep	56°F	1.9 in
Oct	45°F	2.2 in
Nov	35°F	1.8 in
Dec	27°F	2.7 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: 5:09 AM – 7:47 PM

Winter: 7:32 AM – 5:14 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:32 AM, Sunset 5:14 PM Golden hour from 4:34 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:09 AM, Sunset 7:47 PM Golden hour from 7:09 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Demotte Cg.

Demotte Cg is 168 miles from Las Vegas — here's what to budget for the trip.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (168 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $42.01 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 135.8 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

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 Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

The area around Demotte Cg has plenty more to offer.

If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Demotte Cg.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

On clear nights, the Bortle class 1 skies above Demotte Cg reveal constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Demotte Cg, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

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 Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Timing your visit to Demotte Cg around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you experience.

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 8891ft 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 Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Southern Paiute, Diné Bizaad.

Data from Native Land Digital

Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Demotte Cg 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: Quaternary surficial deposits, undivided
Lithology: Major:{sand,silt,clay}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 58
Unique Species: 28
Oldest: 1000 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 3
Richness: Low
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Asbestos

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 106°F (2005-07-18)
Record Low: -23°F (1985-02-01)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 73
Largest Fire: Warm (39,111.8 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: Fence Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 16/100

Demotte Cg Campground, Coconino Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Before visiting Demotte Cg, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: BRIGHT ANGEL RANGER STATION, AZ US (14.4 mi)