Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
Trails in Arizona
What to Pack for Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
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 Red Hills — Shrubland terrain, Semi-Arid, and local wildlife.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
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First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
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Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
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Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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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.
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Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
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Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
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Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
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First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
The Shrubland terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Outdoor recreation at Red Hills centers on hiking, with the May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep months offering the best conditions.
With a photography score of 45/100, Red Hills offers Decent dark sky (Bortle 5) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
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hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
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photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
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picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
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running — Trail running combines endurance with changing terrain and natural views.
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walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
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wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Shrubland — Dense shrubs and brush dominate this terrain, frequently forming thick thickets across rolling hills or dry slopes.
Wildlife Safety at Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.
A danger score of 25/10 means Red Hills requires moderate preparation compared to the average trail.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Far from city (52mi)
- Decent dark sky (Bortle 5)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Shrubland habitat around Red Hills.
Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.
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 Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
The Shrubland terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The plant life here ranges from Frémont Cottonwood in the canopy to California poppy and Coulter's lupine along the trail edges.
Trees (1)
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Frémont Cottonwood — The crown spreads widely in open areas.
Wildflowers (2)
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California poppy — Finely divided blue-green foliage forming low mounds. -
Coulter's lupine — It blooms in spring.
Shrubs (4)
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Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms. -
Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain. -
redberry juniper — Foliage is gray-green and aromatic.
Other Plants (5)
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saguaro
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Buckhorn Cholla
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California Barrel Cactus
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Teddybear Cholla
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stinknet
Mammals (4)
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Desert Cottontail — Lean body suited to arid habitats. -
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter. -
Collared Peccary — Short legs and compact muscular body. -
Coyote — Narrow muzzle and upright ears.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow -
Great-tailed Grackle — Brown female -
Hooded Merganser — Brown female with shaggy crest -
Brewer's Sparrow — Faint facial markings -
Black-throated Sparrow — Gray face with white stripes
Reptiles (5)
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Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle. -
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. -
Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings. -
Western Whiptail — Usually brown to black with six to eight light longitudinal stripes.
Amphibians (1)
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Red-spotted Toad
Insects (6)
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Empress Leilia -
Western Honey Bee -
Queen -
American Snout -
Sleepy Orange
Other Wildlife (1)
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Desert Blonde Tarantula
Nature Bingo at Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Red Hills Trail, Yavapai Climate & Sun
Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Red Hills.
With 18.1 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 62.5°F, Red Hills has Semi-Arid conditions.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 62.5°F
Annual precipitation: 18.1 in
With an average annual temperature of 62.5°F and 18.1 inches of precipitation, Red Hills has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 82°F, while winter lows drop to 46°F.
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46°F | 2.4 in |
| Feb | 48°F | 2.2 in |
| Mar | 53°F | 1.9 in |
| Apr | 59°F | 0.7 in |
| May | 67°F | 0.4 in |
| Jun | 77°F | 0.2 in |
| Jul | 82°F | 2.0 in |
| Aug | 80°F | 2.4 in |
| Sep | 75°F | 1.5 in |
| Oct | 64°F | 1.2 in |
| Nov | 53°F | 1.2 in |
| Dec | 46°F | 2.0 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: 5:14 AM – 7:39 PM
Winter: 7:24 AM – 5:18 PM
Red Hills Trail, Yavapai Trip Planning & Access
Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.
Trip planning for Red Hills starts with the 52-mile route from Phoenix.
Visitor Friendliness
Visitor friendliness: families (moderate), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (challenging).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: moderate (Long distance (>5mi), Steep climb (>1000ft))
- Elderly: challenging (Long distance (>2mi), Significant elevation (>200ft), Unpaved surface)
- Strollers: not_recommended (20/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.
From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 15 destinations surround Red Hills.
Nearby Trails
- Dutchman Grave Trail, Yavapai 2.31 mi
- Willow Springs Trail, Yavapai 2.38 mi
- Willow Basin Trail, Yavapai 2.91 mi
- Dead Man Trail, Yavapai 4.11 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Horseshoe (az) Campground, Maricopa 10.48 mi
- Mesquite (az) Campground, Maricopa 11.22 mi
- Juniper Campground, Maricopa 15.84 mi
- Cave Creek Group Site, Maricopa 15.97 mi
- Childs Campground, Yavapai 16.27 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.
For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 5 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.
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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.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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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:
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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 Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
Each season brings something different to this area.
From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Red Hills rewards visitors in every season.
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 Red Hills Trail, Yavapai
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 Pueblos, Hohokam.
Data from Native Land Digital
Red Hills Trail, Yavapai Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Red Hills 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
- Late to middle Miocene basaltic rocks
- Formation
- Hickey Formation
- Lithology
- Major:{basalt}
- Age
- Serravallian
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 76
- Richness
- Exceptional
- Minerals Found
- Mercury, Copper, Silver, Gold, Sulfur-Pyrite, Lead, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Kaolin
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 122°F (1995-07-29)
- Record Low
- 19°F (2007-01-15)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 90
- Largest Fire
- Willow (119,952.5 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Davenport Wash
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Meteorite Landings
- Meteorites Found
- 1
- Largest
- Camp Creek (3 kg)
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 2 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 1 (BFRO)
- Eeriness Score
- 22/100
Red Hills Trail, Yavapai 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 Red Hills right now.
Coordinates: 34.116586, -111.645161