Fatmans Loop, Coconino
Trails in Arizona
Photo: Coconino National Forest / Public domain
What to Pack for Fatmans Loop, Coconino
A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.
What you bring to Fatmans Loop matters. This list reflects the actual conditions you'll encounter.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
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First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
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Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
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Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
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Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
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Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
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Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
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Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
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Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
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First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.
Climate Gear
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Insulated layers — Modern synthetic or down insulation packs small and weighs little, making it easy to carry just in case.
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Hand warmers — Disposable warmers weigh almost nothing and provide 8+ hours of steady heat in gloves or pockets.
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Thermos — In freezing conditions, warm liquids help prevent the calorie drain your body spends on staying warm.
Terrain Gear
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Trekking poles — On river crossings and loose scree, two extra contact points dramatically improve balance and confidence.
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Ankle-support boots — A rolled ankle miles from a trailhead can turn a day hike into a rescue situation; prevention is far easier than treatment.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Fatmans Loop, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
From hiking, photography, picnicking, the outdoor activities at Fatmans Loop take advantage of the local terrain and climate.
With a photography score of 55/100, Fatmans Loop offers Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
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hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
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photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
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picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
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running — Trail running combines endurance with changing terrain and natural views.
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walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
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wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Mountain Forest — Conifers often dominate at higher elevations, with rocky soils and cooler temperatures.
Wildlife Safety at Fatmans Loop, Coconino
A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.
Understanding the local hazards at Fatmans Loop starts with knowing what's here: bears, venomous snakes.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (126mi from city)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear inhabit the forests around Fatmans Loop, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.
Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.
Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.
- 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
Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Mountain Forest habitat around Fatmans Loop.
Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.
Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.
Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.
Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.
Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.
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 Fatmans Loop, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Walk quietly and you may spot Abert's Squirrel and Mule Deer among the 3 tree species and 2 wildflowers that grow here.
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 — Cup-shaped flower with three rounded petals. -
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Creamy white five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.
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 — White underside and bushy tail edged in white. -
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Black-tipped tail distinguishes it from some other prairie dogs. -
Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet. -
Rock Squirrel — Stouter and larger than many other ground squirrels.
Birds (30)
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Red-winged Blackbird — Streaked brown female -
House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow -
European Starling — Spotted winter plumage with pale speckles -
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Black half-collar on nape -
Dark-eyed Junco — Oregon form with dark hood and brown back
Reptiles (5)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays. -
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Often displays small black spots between the stripes. -
Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
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 Fatmans Loop, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Fatmans Loop, Coconino Climate & Sun
Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.
Climate data for Fatmans Loop shows Temperate patterns, averaging 46.4°F year-round.
Climate type: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 46.4°F
Annual precipitation: 23.5 in
With an average annual temperature of 46.4°F and 23.5 inches of precipitation, Fatmans Loop has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 66°F, while winter lows drop to 30°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Dec.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 2.5 in |
| Feb | 32°F | 2.6 in |
| Mar | 37°F | 2.1 in |
| Apr | 43°F | 1.1 in |
| May | 51°F | 0.8 in |
| Jun | 61°F | 0.5 in |
| Jul | 66°F | 2.7 in |
| Aug | 64°F | 3.6 in |
| Sep | 58°F | 2.2 in |
| Oct | 48°F | 1.7 in |
| Nov | 38°F | 1.5 in |
| Dec | 30°F | 2.2 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: 5:10 AM – 7:41 PM
Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:15 PM
Fatmans Loop, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.
The closest major city is Phoenix at 126 miles, making this a short road trip destination.
Visitor Friendliness
Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (challenging).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent (Some climbing (500-1000ft))
- 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 Fatmans Loop, Coconino
Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.
15 outdoor locations are close enough to Fatmans Loop to combine into a single trip.
Nearby Trails
- Elden Lookout Trail, Coconino 0.19 mi
- Christmas Tree Trail, Coconino 0.29 mi
- Sandy Seep Trail, Coconino 1.67 mi
- Heart Trail, Coconino 2.32 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino 2.86 mi
- Little Elden Spring Campground, Coconino 3.41 mi
- Canyon Vista Campground, Coconino 7.59 mi
- Lockett Meadow Campground, Coconino 9.01 mi
- Oleary Group Site, Coconino 9.36 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Fatmans Loop, Coconino
Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.
The night sky here rates Bortle class 3, meaning Rural sky conditions for spotting constellations and celestial events.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.
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Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north. -
Cassiopeia — This constellation represents a mythological queen and lies opposite the Big Dipper across Polaris. -
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.
Meteor Showers
For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.
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 Fatmans Loop, Coconino
Different seasons reveal different sides of Fatmans Loop.
The landscape at Fatmans Loop transforms through the year, with 3 notable seasonal events.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: March - April
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: September 15 – October 10
Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak
At 6988ft 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 Fatmans Loop, Coconino
This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.
Indigenous peoples have shaped this landscape for millennia. Fatmans Loop sits within the traditional territory of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Territories
Languages
2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.
Data from Native Land Digital
Fatmans Loop, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Fatmans Loop 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
- 187
- Unique Species
- 108
- Oldest
- 382.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 96
- Richness
- Exceptional
- Minerals Found
- Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Limestone, General, Perlite, Uranium
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 102°F (2021-07-11)
- Record Low
- -37°F (1963-01-12)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 171
- Largest Fire
- Pipeline (26,532.4 acres)
- Most Recent
- 9999
- 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
- Lower Rio de Flag
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 38 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 5 (BFRO)
- Haunted Places
- 8 (Shadowlands)
- Eeriness Score
- 100/100
Fatmans Loop, Coconino Safety & Conditions
For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.
Live conditions for Fatmans Loop — bookmark these for your trip.
Coordinates: 35.232199, -111.581765