Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
Fishing in Arizona
Photo: Region 5 Photography / CC BY 2.0
Near Nutrioso, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.
Your packing list for Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site should account for the Desert terrain and Arid.
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
-
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.
-
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 Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Visitors come to Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site primarily for boating, though the Desert terrain opens up other options too.
With a photography score of 65/100, Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
-
boating — Boating provides a different perspective on shorelines and wildlife.
-
fishing — Fishing blends patience and skill with peaceful waterfront settings.
-
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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.
Wildlife Safety at Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.
The danger rating here is 30/10 — Mountain lions and Venomous snakes.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (171mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
Watch your step — are present in the Desert habitat around Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site.
- 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 Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The forests and meadows around Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site support a diverse community of wildlife, from Wapiti and Bighorn Sheep to Wild Turkey and Canada Goose.
Trees (2)
-
Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes. -
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.
Wildflowers (6)
-
upright prairie coneflower — Slender upright stems with deeply divided leaves. -
Woods' rose — Arching thorny stems with pinnate leaves. -
golden columbine — Delicate divided leaves beneath slender stems. -
manyflowered gromwell — Rough hairy leaves on upright stems. -
cutleaf coneflower — Deeply divided leaves along upright stalks.
Other Plants (5)
-
western blue flag
-
Scarlet Gilia
-
great mullein
-
MacDougal verbena
-
scarlet cinquefoil
Mammals (7)
-
Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet. -
Bighorn Sheep — Rams carry massive curled horns. -
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter. -
Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Two bold stripes run along the back but none on the face.
Birds (11)
-
Wild Turkey — Male with fan-shaped tail and red wattle -
Canada Goose — Pale-breasted form with lighter body plumage -
Dark-eyed Junco — Oregon form with dark hood and brown back -
Mountain Bluebird — Paler female with gray tones -
Bufflehead — Female with small cheek spot
Reptiles (5)
-
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Often displays small black spots between the stripes. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly. -
Southwestern Fence Lizard — Males show bright blue patches on the belly and throat. -
Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches.
Amphibians (3)
-
Arizona Tree Frog -
Western Tiger Salamander -
Arizona Toad
Insects (12)
-
Blue Fungus Beetle -
Ridings' Satyr -
Nokomis Fritillary
-
Common Ringlet -
Ruddy Copper
Fungi (6)
-
lobster mushroom -
Barrow's Bolete
-
Kaibab Jack -
Spring Polypore -
Floccularia albolanaripes
Other Wildlife (1)
-
Speckled Dace
Nature Bingo at Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache Climate & Sun
Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site.
Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site experiences Arid conditions with average temperatures ranging from °F in to °F in .
Climate type: Arid
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 0.7 in |
| Feb | 37°F | 0.8 in |
| Mar | 43°F | 0.6 in |
| Apr | 49°F | 0.4 in |
| May | 56°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 66°F | 0.4 in |
| Jul | 69°F | 3.3 in |
| Aug | 67°F | 3.3 in |
| Sep | 61°F | 1.7 in |
| Oct | 52°F | 0.8 in |
| Nov | 42°F | 0.8 in |
| Dec | 33°F | 1.1 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.
Summer: 5:04 AM – 7:28 PM
Winter: 7:14 AM – 5:08 PM
Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache Trip Planning & Access
Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.
Getting to Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site means a 171-mile drive from Phoenix, the closest major city.
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
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)
Places Near Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.
The area around Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site includes trails, campgrounds, and other destinations.
Nearby Trails
- Tank Trail, Apache 3.42 mi
- Power Line Trail, Apache 3.54 mi
- Crossover Trail, Apache 3.77 mi
- Murray Basin Trail, Apache 4.58 mi
- Saffel Short Loop, Apache 5.06 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Alpine Divide Cg Campground, Apache 10.86 mi
- Benny Creek Campground, Apache 14.96 mi
- Luna Lake Group Cg Campground, Apache 15.86 mi
- Luna Lake Campground, Apache 15.97 mi
- Diamond Rock Cg Campground, Apache 17.18 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.
With Bortle class 2 skies, Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site offers Typical truly dark site conditions for observing the night sky.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, 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. -
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 Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
Each season brings something different to this area.
What you'll see at Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site depends heavily on when you visit.
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 Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache
Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.
This area is part of the ancestral territory of Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Shiwinna (Zuni).
Territories
Languages
2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Chiricahua, Shiwi’ma Bena:we.
Data from Native Land Digital
Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site 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
- Oligocene to Paleocene[?] sedimentary rocks
- Formation
- Chuska Sandstone
- Lithology
- Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}
- Age
- Paleogene
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 1
- Unique Species
- 1
- Oldest
- 100.5 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 26
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Sand and Gravel, Construction, Pumice, Volcanic Materials, Zeolites, Perlite
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 106°F (2013-06-08)
- Record Low
- -32°F (1979-01-30)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 46
- Largest Fire
- Three Forks (7,742.3 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Riggs Creek-Nutrioso Creek
- Water Quality (Good)
- 18.621%
- Impaired
- 2.309%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 6 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 1 (BFRO)
- Haunted Places
- 1 (Shadowlands)
- Eeriness Score
- 45/100
Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site, Apache Safety & Conditions
Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.
Real-time safety data for Nelson Reservoir South Boating Site — weather, fire, flood, and road conditions.
Coordinates: 34.049256, -109.187342