Campgrounds 5,370 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Since the 1900s, Jumpup cabin has been used by ranchers as well as the Forest Service, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site consists of a historic two-room cabin, shed and composting toilet. Recreation Jumpup cabin is located at the trailhead for the Ranger trail, a 17-mile wilderness trail that winds through Kanab Creek. Hiking this area is very popular in the spring and fall months, but is discouraged during the hottest summer months. Water is scarce and some route-finding is required. Facilities Jumpup cabin is a rustic log structure with an open concept, divided into two distinct areas. A main living and cooking area which has a table and chairs, wood burning stove (the sole source of heat) and a small kitchenette with a wash tub. There is no electricity, running water or propane. Lanterns and cooking supplies are provided. The second room is a bunk room with two sets of double-over-double bunk beds. Guests will need to bring their own linens or sleeping bags. Guests must also provide their own water and fire wood. Outside there is an open air composting toilet, a fire ring and a picnic table. This site is a pack-it-out site. Guests should be prepared to do light cleaning prior to leaving to help prevent rodent issues. Natural Features With a panoramic view of Kanab Creek Wilderness, the cabin sits on the edge of Jumpup canyon. From the front door you take in a wide open expanse of red rock descending into canyon walls below, lined with juniper, pinyon, yuccas, sage and cliffrose. With an elevation of 5,500 feet and a predominantly southern exposure, this site is hotter and drier than many other areas in the forest. There is no water at the cabin site, but a short .25-mile hike down the Ranger trail will take you to Lower Jumpup spring, a perennial spring configured to a holding tank. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 643-7395. Nearby Attractions Located 2 hours from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, 2.5 hours from Zion National Park, and 2 hours from the scenic gateway community of Kanab, Utah, the Kaibab National Forest is situated ideally for traveling throughout the grand circle.

Near Fredonia, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

Pack for Forest terrain, Semi-Arid, 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

Layering system (wide temp swings) — Desert and mountain environments can swing 40+ degrees between dawn and midday; layers let you adapt without overheating or freezing.

Terrain Gear

SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

Whether you're here for backpacking or looking to try something different, Jumpup Cabin 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

backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
glamping — Enjoy nature with upgraded comforts like furnished tents or cabins.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Forest — Forests are dominated by dense tree cover, layered canopies, and shaded understories. Ground conditions vary from leaf litter to mossy soils, with limited visibility off trail.

Wildlife Safety at Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

Most visitors at Jumpup Cabin never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 45/10 means preparation matters.

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

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (147mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: moderate (Mid latitude (37N), Elevated (5,370ft), Forest canopy (shade))

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 Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

The Forest environment here supports 40 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Trees (3)

Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.
bigtooth maple — Bigtooth maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree with broad three- to five-lobed leaves edged with coarse teeth.
Frémont Cottonwood — Frémont cottonwood is a fast-growing riparian tree with broad triangular leaves.

Wildflowers (1)

Pale Evening Primrose — Large pale yellow flowers with four broad petals.

Shrubs (3)

Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Sonoran scrub oak — Sonoran scrub oak is a dense evergreen shrub with small leathery leaves.
Engelmann's Pricklypear — Engelmann's pricklypear is a cactus with flat oval pads.

Other Plants (5)

Golden Pricklypear
Sacred Datura
Palmer's penstemon
mat rock spiraea
black maidenhair fern

Mammals (4)

Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Uinta Chipmunk — A striped chipmunk with gray-brown fur and clear facial markings.
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.

Birds (30)

Brewer's Blackbird — Glossy black male with pale eye
Ruddy Duck — Breeding male with bright blue bill and chestnut body
Rock Pigeon — Blue-gray with two black wing bars
Ring-necked Duck — Male with glossy black head and gray sides
Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail

Reptiles (6)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard — A medium lizard with rough scales and yellowish tones on back.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.
Common Sagebrush Lizard — A small gray or brown lizard with fine speckling and rough scales.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.

Amphibians (2)

Canyon Tree Frog
Arizona Toad

Insects (5)

Obscure Darkling Beetle
Cotton-gall Tephritid
Spiny Tachina Fly
Arizona Sister
Eastern Boxelder Bug

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Tarantula

Nature Bingo at Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Wild Turkey (bird)
Mule Deer (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
Golden Pricklypear (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino Climate & Sun

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

The annual average temperature here is 54.4°F, with 16 inches of precipitation.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 54.4°F

Annual precipitation: 16 in

With an average annual temperature of 54.4°F and 16 inches of precipitation, Jumpup Cabin has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 76°F, while winter lows drop to 36°F.

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

Winter 36°

1.9"

Spring 51°

1.0"

Summer 76°

1.2"

Fall 56°

1.5"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	36°F	1.9 in
Feb	39°F	2.0 in
Mar	45°F	1.8 in
Apr	51°F	1.0 in
May	60°F	0.7 in
Jun	70°F	0.3 in
Jul	76°F	1.2 in
Aug	74°F	1.6 in
Sep	67°F	1.4 in
Oct	56°F	1.5 in
Nov	44°F	1.1 in
Dec	36°F	1.5 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: 4:10 AM – 6:49 PM

Winter: 6:34 AM – 4:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:34 AM, Sunset 4:15 PM Golden hour from 3:35 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:10 AM, Sunset 6:49 PM Golden hour from 6:11 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:42 AM, Sunset 5:36 PM Golden hour from 5:02 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:11 AM, Sunset 5:39 PM Golden hour from 5:05 PM

Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Jumpup Cabin.

Jumpup Cabin is 147 miles from Las Vegas — here's what to budget for the trip.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (147 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $36.77 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 118.8 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: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

The area around Jumpup Cabin has plenty more to offer.

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

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Indian Hollow Campground, Coconino 9.17 mi
Big Springs Cabin Site, Coconino 11 mi
Jacob Lake Group Campground & Picnic Site, Coconino 20.31 mi
Jacob Lake Group Campground, Coconino 20.4 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

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

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Jumpup Cabin, 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 Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

Timing your visit to Jumpup Cabin 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 5370ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Jumpup 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 to Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Hermit Formation; Supai Group; Schnebly Hill Formation; Naco Group
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,shale,limestone}
Age: Paleozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 9
Unique Species: 8
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 3
Richness: Low
Minerals Found: Asbestos, Copper, Silver, Lead

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 96°F (2003-07-10)
Record Low: -15°F (2011-01-01)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 120
Largest Fire: Bridger Knoll (53,376.8 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Evaporite rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 20

Watershed

Watershed: Tapeats Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Jumpup Cabin Campground, Coconino Safety & Conditions

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

Before visiting Jumpup Cabin, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.

Nearest weather station: PIPE SPRING NATIONAL MONUMENT, AZ US (21.89 mi)