Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

Trailheads in Arizona

Trailheads Bortle 3 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)
The Mt. Dellenbaugh trailhead is the starting point for a strenuous hike through towering evergreens to the 7,072 Mt. Dellenbaugh Peak.

Near Peach Springs, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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 Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead — Desert terrain, Semi-Arid, 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.

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.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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

Outdoor recreation at Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead centers on backpacking, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 55/100, Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead offers Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

  • backpacking — Backpacking combines endurance, planning, and remote wilderness camping.
  • hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
  • photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
  • picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
  • 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 Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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

A danger score of 40/10 means Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead requires moderate preparation compared to the average trail.

Danger rating: 40/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Bears present
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Far from city (90mi)
UV risk: high (Mid latitude (36N), Desert (exposed))
Photo score: 55/100
  • Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear inhabit the forests around Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead, 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 — are present in the Desert habitat around Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead.

  • 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 Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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

The plant life here ranges from in the canopy to Las Vegas Bearpoppy along the trail edges.

Wildflowers (1)

  • Las Vegas Bearpoppy
    Las Vegas Bearpoppy — Spiny blue-green leaves forming low clumps.

Shrubs (4)

  • Creosote Bush
    Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
  • Brittlebush
    Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms.
  • Eastern Joshua tree
    Eastern Joshua tree — The plant provides habitat for desert wildlife.

Other Plants (5)

  • Buckhorn Cholla
  • Echinocereus bakeri
  • California Barrel Cactus
  • Beavertail Pricklypear
  • Mojave Yucca

Mammals (2)

  • Coyote
    Coyote — Narrow muzzle and upright ears.
  • Pronghorn
    Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong.

Birds (6)

  • Great-tailed Grackle
    Great-tailed Grackle — Brown female
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove
    Eurasian Collared-Dove — Black half-collar on nape
  • American Kestrel
    American Kestrel — Blue-gray wings in male
  • Common Raven
    Common Raven — Broad wings with fingered primaries
  • European Starling
    European Starling — Spotted winter plumage with pale speckles

Reptiles (3)

  • Common Side-blotched Lizard
    Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side.
  • Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
    Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake — Camouflages closely with rocky terrain.
  • Western Whiptail
    Western Whiptail — Usually brown to black with six to eight light longitudinal stripes.

Amphibians (4)

  • Relict Leopard Frog
    Relict Leopard Frog
  • Red-spotted Toad
    Red-spotted Toad
  • Woodhouse's Toad
    Woodhouse's Toad
  • Canyon Tree Frog
    Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (1)

  • Western Honey Bee
    Western Honey Bee

Nature Bingo at Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead.

With 14.7 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 52.5°F, Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead has Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 52.5°F

Annual precipitation: 14.7 in

With an average annual temperature of 52.5°F and 14.7 inches of precipitation, Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 74°F, while winter lows drop to 35°F.

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

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 35°F 1.3 in
Feb 37°F 1.4 in
Mar 41°F 1.4 in
Apr 47°F 0.7 in
May 57°F 0.5 in
Jun 68°F 0.3 in
Jul 74°F 2.5 in
Aug 72°F 2.1 in
Sep 66°F 1.3 in
Oct 55°F 1.3 in
Nov 43°F 0.7 in
Dec 35°F 1.2 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: 4:16 AM – 6:52 PM

Winter: 6:37 AM – 4:20 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:37 AM, Sunset 4:20 PM Golden hour from 3:41 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:16 AM, Sunset 6:52 PM Golden hour from 6:14 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:46 AM, Sunset 5:40 PM Golden hour from 5:06 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:15 AM, Sunset 5:43 PM Golden hour from 5:09 PM

Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave Trip Planning & Access

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

Trip planning for Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead starts with the 90-mile route from Las Vegas.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (90 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $22.45 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 72.6 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: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 5 destinations surround Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 3 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

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

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
  • Cassiopeia
    Cassiopeia — This constellation represents a mythological queen and lies opposite the Big Dipper across Polaris.
  • Cepheus
    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
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.

  • Delta Aquariids
    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
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    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 Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead rewards visitors in every season.

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 6207ft 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 Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave

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 Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute).

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Walapai.

Data from Native Land Digital

Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead 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
15
Unique Species
13
Oldest
497 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
4
Richness
Low
Minerals Found
Copper, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Iron, Manganese, Sand and Gravel, Construction

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High
103°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low
-35°F (1990-12-22)

Wildfire History

This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.

Recorded Fires
12
Largest Fire
Twin compl (4,112.8 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
High

Caves & Karst Features

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

Watershed

Watershed
Surprise Canyon
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead (W, 0mi), Mohave 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 Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead right now.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: MEADVIEW 3.8 S, AZ US (32.99 mi)

Coordinates: 36.135908, -113.530768

Packing List Safety Guide ↑ Top
Mt. Dellenbaugh Trailhead
Arizona · Trailheads · 36.1359°N, -113.5308°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Peach Springs, AZ

Bear country — Store food properly, carry bear spray (Black Bear)

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step ()