Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
Trailheads in Arizona
Photo: Patty Ringle; Coconino National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0
What to Pack for Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.
Pack for Mountain Forest terrain, Semi-Arid, and the wildlife considerations above.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
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First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
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Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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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.
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Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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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.
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Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
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Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
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Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
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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.
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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.
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Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
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Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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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
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Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
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Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
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Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.
Terrain Gear
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Trekking poles — Poles reduce knee impact by up to 25% on steep descents, preventing the joint pain that slows hikers on long routes.
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Ankle-support boots — Loose rock, roots, and uneven terrain put constant lateral stress on ankles; supportive boots prevent the sprains that end trips.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Whether you're here for hiking or looking to try something different, Old Caves Crater (south) 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
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hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
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photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
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picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
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running — Hit scenic trails or park loops for a workout surrounded by fresh air and open space.
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walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
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wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Mountain Forest — Mountain forests combine dense tree cover with steep slopes and elevation changes.
Wildlife Safety at Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.
Most visitors at Old Caves Crater (south) never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 45/10 means preparation matters.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (130mi from city)
- 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 .
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.
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.
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.
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 Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The Mountain Forest environment here supports 43 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Trees (3)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — The tree is highly fire-adapted and thrives with periodic low-intensity burns. -
Gambel Oak — Leaves turn shades of yellow to reddish-brown in fall. -
white fir — It occupies montane forests across the western United States.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings. -
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.
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 — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter. -
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail. -
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch. -
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Birds (30)
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Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch -
House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib -
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen -
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body -
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly
Reptiles (5)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head. -
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body. -
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
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 Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino Climate & Sun
Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.
The annual average temperature here is 49°F, with 17.5 inches of precipitation.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 49°F
Annual precipitation: 17.5 in
With an average annual temperature of 49°F and 17.5 inches of precipitation, Old Caves Crater (south) has cool, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 32°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Dec.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°F | 1.6 in |
| Feb | 34°F | 1.7 in |
| Mar | 40°F | 1.5 in |
| Apr | 46°F | 0.9 in |
| May | 54°F | 0.6 in |
| Jun | 64°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 69°F | 2.4 in |
| Aug | 67°F | 2.7 in |
| Sep | 61°F | 1.7 in |
| Oct | 50°F | 1.3 in |
| Nov | 39°F | 1.2 in |
| Dec | 31°F | 1.6 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
Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Here's the practical side of visiting Old Caves Crater (south).
Old Caves Crater (south) is 130 miles from Phoenix — here's what to budget for the trip.
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 (Unpaved surface)
- Strollers: not_recommended (35/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
The area around Old Caves Crater (south) has plenty more to offer.
If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Old Caves Crater (south).
Nearby Trails
- Old Caves South Access Trail, Coconino 0.39 mi
- Cinders Access Trail, Coconino 0.49 mi
- Old Caves Summit Trail, Coconino 0.69 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Little Elden Spring Campground, Coconino 2.39 mi
- Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino 2.9 mi
- Oleary Group Site, Coconino 6.31 mi
- Bonito Campground, Coconino 6.84 mi
- Bonito Campground (az), Coconino 6.93 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.
On clear nights, the Bortle class 2 skies above Old Caves Crater (south) reveal constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
From Old Caves Crater (south), you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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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:
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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 Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.
Timing your visit to Old Caves Crater (south) around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you experience.
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 6676ft 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 Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino
Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.
Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai).
Territories
Languages
Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.
Data from Native Land Digital
Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Old Caves Crater (south) 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
Old Caves Crater (south) Trailhead, Coconino Safety & Conditions
The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.
Before visiting Old Caves Crater (south), verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.
Coordinates: 35.270422, -111.535401