Photo: Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it! / CC BY-SA 2.0

Fishing 7,175 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Located just steps away from the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park, Hull Cabin is the oldest historic structure in the area. It provides a variety of amenities, as well as access to multiple recreational activities within the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest . Visitors enjoy miles of trails, fishing at the nearby tanks, sightseeing and viewing the region's abundant wildlife. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle. A portion of the roadway is graded gravel, requiring slower speeds. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation With miles upon miles of national forest and park lands to explore, visitors have no shortage of outdoor activities from which to choose. Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are available on an 800-mile segment of the Arizona Trail, as well as within Grand Canyon National Park. Fishing can usually be accessed at nearby Russell Tank during an average or high water season. The small Hull Tank, located near the cabin, is a prime watering hole for wildlife such as elk, mule deer, wild turkey, javelina and numerous birds and raptors. Lucky visitors may even have the chance to spot an endangered California condor. Facilities The cabin sleeps up to six people. It consists of a bedroom, living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The bedroom has two sets of twin-sized bunk beds, and there is one queen-sized futon in the living room. Kitchen supplies include indoor plumbing (water is hauled to the site), an oven, stove, refrigerator with freezer, dishes, utensils, pots, pans and some cleaning supplies. A separate shower house is located just outside the cabin and contains a vault toilet and two shower stalls with solar shower attachments ( click here for more cabin details). A firewood enclosure is located next to the shower house. Guests must bring their own food, bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows and/or sleeping bags), towels for the bathroom and kitchen, garbage bags, warm clothing, dish soap, flashlights and an axe for splitting wood for the outdoor fire pit. Visitors must bring their own solar-shower bladder bags for use of the outdoor shower. Natural Features The cabin sits in a secluded meadow surrounded by a stand of old growth ponderosa pine trees, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The location provides easy access to Grandview Lookout Tower, which offers 360-degree views of the canyon and surrounding forest. The building originated as a one-room homestead, constructed by the Hull family in the late 1880s with hand-hewn logs. It was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in 1907 for use as a ranger station. In 1985, the cabin was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant, but weather can be unpredictable. Visitors should come prepared for changeable mountain weather, cold nights, thunderstorms or even snow. Nearby Attractions Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is a must-see for visitors and is located just a mile away. The South Rim is the most accessible part of the park and is open all year. The nearby town of Tusayan also offers restaurants, hotels, gift shops, a general store and various tours.

Near Grand Canyon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Hull Cabin, Coconino

The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.

Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Hull Cabin — Desert terrain, Continental, and local wildlife.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Modern synthetic or down insulation packs small and weighs little, making it easy to carry just in case.
Hand warmers — Disposable warmers weigh almost nothing and provide 8+ hours of steady heat in gloves or pockets.
Thermos — In freezing conditions, warm liquids help prevent the calorie drain your body spends on staying warm.
Layering system (wide temp swings) — A base layer, insulating mid-layer, and wind shell cover the full range of temperatures you might encounter in a single day.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.
Headlamp (extra) — Cave exploration, deep canyons, and dense forest canopy create darkness even during daylight hours.
Emergency bivy — Unlike a space blanket, a bivy fully encloses you, trapping more warmth and blocking wind from all directions.
PLB/satellite messenger — In remote wilderness with no cell coverage, a PLB is your only way to call for help during a serious injury or emergency.
SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Hull Cabin, Coconino

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

Outdoor recreation at Hull Cabin centers on birdwatching, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 65/100, Hull Cabin offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

birdwatching — Binoculars and field guides help track seasonal migrations and rare sightings.
camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
glamping — Glamping blends outdoor immersion with convenience and style.
horseback_riding — Horseback riding offers a traditional way to travel through scenic terrain.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
snowshoeing — Snowshoeing opens quiet winter landscapes to exploration.
stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.

Wildlife Safety at Hull Cabin, Coconino

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

A danger score of 45/10 means Hull Cabin requires high preparation compared to the average trail.

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

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (174mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (7,175ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

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

Bears

Black Bear inhabit the forests around Hull Cabin, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.

Black Bear

Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.

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

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Desert habitat around Hull Cabin.

Western Diamondback

Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.

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

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

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

Sidewinder

Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.

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 Hull Cabin, Coconino

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

The plant life here ranges from Gambel Oak and Southwestern Ponderosa Pine in the canopy to Stansbury's Cliffrose along the trail edges.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Creamy white five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.

Shrubs (3)

fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.
Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Brown-spined Pricklypear — It grows in desert scrub habitats.

Other Plants (5)

Utah Agave
Colorado Pinyon
Apache plume
Banana Yucca
Utah Juniper

Mammals (7)

Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet.
Rock Squirrel — Stouter and larger than many other ground squirrels.
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter.
Bighorn Sheep — Rams carry massive curled horns.
Cliff Chipmunk — White eyebrow stripe contrasts with darker eye line.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Pale eye in female
Wild Turkey — Male with fan-shaped tail and red wattle
Common Raven — Broad wings with fingered primaries
Juniper Titmouse — Small crest
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Gray back

Reptiles (10)

Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side.
Desert Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue patches on the underside.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
Western Whiptail — Usually brown to black with six to eight light longitudinal stripes.

Amphibians (1)

Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (8)

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

Nature Bingo at Hull Cabin, 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

Hull Cabin, Coconino Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Hull Cabin.

With inches of annual precipitation and an average of °F, Hull Cabin has Continental conditions.

Climate type: Continental

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Winter 32°

1.4"

Spring 47°

0.6"

Summer 72°

2.4"

Fall 52°

1.2"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	32°F	1.4 in
Feb	34°F	1.0 in
Mar	41°F	1.1 in
Apr	47°F	0.6 in
May	55°F	0.7 in
Jun	69°F	0.2 in
Jul	72°F	2.4 in
Aug	69°F	2.6 in
Sep	63°F	1.4 in
Oct	52°F	1.2 in
Nov	42°F	0.9 in
Dec	32°F	1.8 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 – 7:45 PM

Winter: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:30 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:35 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:45 PM Golden hour from 7:07 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:36 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Hull Cabin, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Trip planning for Hull Cabin starts with the 174-mile route from Phoenix.

Nearest city: Phoenix (174 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $43.56 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 140.8 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Hull Cabin, Coconino

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 13 destinations surround Hull Cabin.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Hull Cabin, Coconino

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 2 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

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.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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:

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 Hull Cabin, Coconino

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Hull Cabin rewards visitors in every season.

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 7175ft 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 Hull Cabin, Coconino

Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.

This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai).

Territories

Languages

3 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Havasupai, Hopilavayi, Diné Bizaad.

Data from Native Land Digital

Hull Cabin, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Hull Cabin 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: 285
Unique Species: 114
Oldest: 1000 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 14
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Copper, Uranium, Silver, Zinc, Cobalt, Antimony

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 120°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low: -32°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 121
Largest Fire: Obi (11,435.8 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: Grapevine Creek-Colorado River
Water Quality (Good): 1.291%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 6 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 2 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 32/100

Hull Cabin, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.

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

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: GRAND CANYON EAST ENTRANCE, AZ US (7.98 mi)