Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
Trails in Arizona
Photo: Nikolai Gates Vetr / CC BY-SA 4.0
What to Pack for Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
A well-prepared pack for Elmerville Spur E covers 2 categories: essential, wildlife gear.
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.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
The Shrubland terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The mix of Shrubland terrain and Semi-Arid conditions here supports everything from hiking, photography, picnicking.
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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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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running — From flat paths to rolling hills, running outdoors adds variety to your routine.
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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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Shrubland — Open skies and sun exposure are typical, with vegetation rarely exceeding several feet in height.
Wildlife Safety at Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
The danger score of 25/10 at Elmerville Spur E accounts for Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Far from city (95mi) in the area.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Far from city (95mi)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
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.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
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 Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
The Shrubland terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The ecosystem around Elmerville Spur E is defined by its Shrubland landscape, supporting everything from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak to Red-winged Blackbird and House Sparrow.
Trees (3)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico. -
Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States. -
white fir — The species tolerates shade and often grows beneath taller conifers.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — Slender stem rising from narrow basal leaves. -
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.
Other Plants (5)
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Echinocereus bakeri
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great mullein
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quaking aspen
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alligator juniper
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western blue flag
Mammals (8)
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Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build. -
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Often stands upright near burrow mounds. -
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds. -
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.
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 (5)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long. -
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Typically grows 18–36 inches long with a narrow head and round pupils. -
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Amphibians (2)
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American Bullfrog -
Arizona Tree Frog
Insects (10)
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Convergent Lady Beetle -
Gray Buckeye -
Carolina Grasshopper -
White-lined Sphinx -
Spotted Pine Sawyer
Fungi (1)
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lobster mushroom
Other Wildlife (2)
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Common Pill Woodlouse
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Virile Crayfish
Nature Bingo at Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Elmerville Spur E.
Month-by-month temperatures at Elmerville Spur E range from °F to °F.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 61.7°F
Annual precipitation: 14.6 in
With an average annual temperature of 61.7°F and 14.6 inches of precipitation, Elmerville Spur E has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 81°F, while winter lows drop to 45°F.
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45°F | 1.6 in |
| Feb | 47°F | 1.6 in |
| Mar | 53°F | 1.5 in |
| Apr | 59°F | 0.6 in |
| May | 67°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 77°F | 0.2 in |
| Jul | 81°F | 1.6 in |
| Aug | 80°F | 2.3 in |
| Sep | 74°F | 1.4 in |
| Oct | 64°F | 1.0 in |
| Nov | 52°F | 0.9 in |
| Dec | 44°F | 1.4 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.
Summer: 5:13 AM – 7:41 PM
Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:17 PM
Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Access to Elmerville Spur E is primarily via Phoenix, 95 miles away.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (moderate).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: moderate (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 Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
The region around Elmerville Spur E is rich with options — 14 nearby destinations are worth exploring.
Nearby Trails
- Elmerville Spur R Trail, Yavapai 0.48 mi
- Elmerville Spur K Trail, Yavapai 0.56 mi
- Elmerville Spur M Trail, Yavapai 0.71 mi
- Elmerville Spur C Trail, Yavapai 1.16 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
Light pollution at Elmerville Spur E is Rural sky (Bortle 3), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.
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 Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
Seasonal changes at Elmerville Spur E bring — each offering a distinct experience.
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 Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
We acknowledge that Elmerville Spur E is located on the traditional lands of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.
Data from Native Land Digital
Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Elmerville Spur E 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
- Limestone of Verde Formation
- Formation
- Verde Formation
- Age
- Neogene
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 142
- Unique Species
- 63
- Oldest
- 382.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 168
- Richness
- Exceptional
- Minerals Found
- Copper, Gold, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Silver, Limestone, General, Iron
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 118°F (2004-08-12)
- Record Low
- -1°F (1963-01-13)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 62
- Largest Fire
- Mingus (15,457.1 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Caves & Karst Features
- Feature Types
- evaporite_basin
- Karst Score
- 30
Watershed
- Watershed
- Mescal Gulch-Verde River
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 11.078%
Meteorite Landings
- Meteorites Found
- 1
- Largest
- Cottonwood (0.8 kg)
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 21 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 2 (BFRO)
- Haunted Places
- 5 (Shadowlands)
- Eeriness Score
- 81/100
Elmerville Spur E Trail, Yavapai Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Elmerville Spur E.
Coordinates: 34.81069, -111.869651