Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
Day Use Areas in Arizona
Photo: Grand Canyon NPS / Public domain
Near Grand Canyon, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.
What you bring to Picnic Area matters. This list reflects the actual conditions you'll encounter.
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.
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.
-
Extra hydration — Dehydration at elevation worsens altitude sickness symptoms and impairs the judgment needed for safe route-finding.
-
Slow acclimatization advice — Spending a night at a moderate elevation before pushing higher gives your body time to produce more red blood cells.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
From photography, picnicking, walking, the outdoor activities at Picnic Area take advantage of the local terrain and climate.
With a photography score of 65/100, Picnic Area offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
-
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: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.
Wildlife Safety at Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.
Understanding the local hazards at Picnic Area starts with knowing what's here: bears, venomous snakes.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Elevated (8,559ft)
- Remote (177mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear inhabit the forests around Picnic Area, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.
Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.
Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.
- 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 Picnic Area.
- 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 Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Walk quietly and you may spot Wapiti and Rock Squirrel among the 2 tree species and 1 wildflower that grow here.
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 — A rounded shrub with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers. -
Roundleaf buffaloberry — A thorny shrub with silvery round leaves and small yellow flowers. -
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 Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino Climate & Sun
Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.
Climate data for Picnic Area shows Alpine patterns, averaging °F year-round.
Climate type: Alpine
Best months to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 2.7 in |
| Feb | 29°F | 3.1 in |
| Mar | 35°F | 2.0 in |
| Apr | 41°F | 1.2 in |
| May | 49°F | 0.8 in |
| Jun | 61°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 65°F | 2.0 in |
| Aug | 62°F | 2.8 in |
| Sep | 56°F | 1.4 in |
| Oct | 45°F | 1.4 in |
| Nov | 35°F | 1.3 in |
| Dec | 26°F | 2.2 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: 5:09 AM – 7:46 PM
Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:14 PM
Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access
With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.
The closest major city is Las Vegas at 177 miles, making this a longer road trip destination.
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 Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.
15 outdoor locations are close enough to Picnic Area to combine into a single trip.
Nearby Trails
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.
The night sky here rates Bortle class 1, meaning Excellent dark-sky site conditions for spotting constellations and celestial events.
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 Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
Different seasons reveal different sides of Picnic Area.
The landscape at Picnic Area transforms through the year, with 3 notable seasonal events.
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 8559ft 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 Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino
This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.
Indigenous peoples have shaped this landscape for millennia. Picnic Area sits within the traditional territory of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.
Territories
Languages
1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Diné Bizaad.
Data from Native Land Digital
Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Picnic Area 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
- Quaternary surficial deposits, undivided
- Lithology
- Major:{sand,silt,clay}
- Age
- Cenozoic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 58
- Unique Species
- 28
- Oldest
- 1000 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 3
- Richness
- Low
- Minerals Found
- Sand and Gravel, Construction, Asbestos
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 106°F (2005-07-18)
- Record Low
- -23°F (1985-02-01)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 73
- Largest Fire
- Warm (39,111.8 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- 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
- Fence Canyon
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- Bigfoot Reports
- 2 (BFRO)
- Eeriness Score
- 16/100
Picnic Area (NW, 19mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions
For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.
Live conditions for Picnic Area — bookmark these for your trip.
Coordinates: 36.229697, -111.97385