Photo: BLMArizona / Public domain

Parks 4,265 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

The 6,600-acre Redfield Canyon Wilderness is in southeastern Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Redfield Canyon Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Tall cliffs pocked with eroded caves and strewn with boulders, Redfield Canyon offers the visitor a variety of recreational opportunities. Redfield Canyon is a narrow, red-walled chasm great for hiking during the spring and fall seasons. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations. Get permission from the State Land Department and private landowners before crossing their lands. At the Muleshoe Ranch , please sign in at The Nature Conservancy registration area before continuing along Jackson Cabin Road.

Near Mount Lemmon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

Preparation for Redfield Canyon Wilderness starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

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

With 12 activities available, Redfield Canyon Wilderness works for both quick day trips and longer stays.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

atv — Protective gear and adherence to regulations are important.
backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
bouldering — Crash pads and spotters help reduce risk.
glamping — It's ideal for those seeking scenery without roughing it.
hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
mountain_biking — Helmets and trail awareness are essential for safety.
off_roading — Stay on designated routes to protect fragile terrain.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Safety at Redfield Canyon Wilderness involves knowing about 1 potential wildlife hazards in the area.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (124mi from city)

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (32N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

0 venomous snake species are found in this 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 Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

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

This Desert habitat supports 2 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 11 reptile species.

Trees (1)

Emory oak — It grows in desert mountains of the Southwest.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
evergreen sumac — An evergreen shrub with trifoliate glossy leaves and clusters of red berries.
soaptree yucca — The trunk may grow several feet tall in older plants.

Other Plants (5)

fishhook barrel cactus
ocotillo
Palmer's agave
Banana Yucca
Wheeler sotol

Mammals (2)

White-tailed Deer — Bucks grow antlers annually, shedding them each winter.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.

Birds (30)

Brewer's Blackbird — Iridescent purple-green sheen
Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
Sandhill Crane — Long legs and neck
Chipping Sparrow — Gray breast
Yellow-headed Blackbird — White wing patches

Reptiles (11)

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — Typically 5–8 inches long.
Mojave Rattlesnake — Typically 3–4 feet long.
Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake — Usually 2.5–4 feet long.
Greater Earless Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including tail.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.

Amphibians (1)

Couch's Spadefoot

Insects (4)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Arizona Mantis
Vella fallax
White-lined Sphinx

Nature Bingo at Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

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

Wildlife Challenge

Black-headed Grosbeak (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Couch's Spadefoot (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Best months to visit based on climate: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid unless prepared for .

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 61.9°F

Annual precipitation: 15.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 61.9°F and 15.2 inches of precipitation, Redfield Canyon Wilderness has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 79°F, while winter lows drop to 46°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Winter 46°

1.4"

Spring 59°

0.4"

Summer 79°

2.7"

Fall 64°

0.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	46°F	1.4 in
Feb	48°F	1.3 in
Mar	53°F	1.1 in
Apr	59°F	0.4 in
May	67°F	0.4 in
Jun	77°F	0.4 in
Jul	79°F	2.7 in
Aug	77°F	3.0 in
Sep	73°F	1.6 in
Oct	64°F	0.8 in
Nov	55°F	0.8 in
Dec	46°F	1.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:13 AM – 7:29 PM

Winter: 7:15 AM – 5:17 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:15 AM, Sunset 5:17 PM Golden hour from 4:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 7:29 PM Golden hour from 6:53 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:33 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:04 AM, Sunset 6:29 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Redfield Canyon Wilderness.

Phoenix is the nearest hub at 124 miles — here's the trip breakdown.

Nearest city: Phoenix (124 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $31.04 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 100.3 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (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 Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.

Nearby Trails

Italian Spring Trail, Saguaro National Park 20.09 mi
North Slope Trail, Saguaro National Park 20.09 mi
Bonita Trail, Saguaro National Park 20.64 mi
Fire Loop Trail, Saguaro National Park 21.15 mi
Spud Rock Camp Trail, Saguaro National Park 21.31 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Spud Rock Campground, Saguaro National Park 21.23 mi
Spud Rock Spring Campground, Saguaro National Park 21.23 mi
Manning Camp, Saguaro National Park 21.93 mi
Douglas Spring Campground, Pima 22.79 mi
Happy Valley Saddle Campground, Saguaro National Park 23.57 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

The dark sky quality at Redfield Canyon Wilderness (Bortle 3) places it among the darkest stargazing spots in the area.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

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 Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

The seasonal rhythm at Redfield Canyon Wilderness shapes what you'll see on the trail, in the sky, and across the landscape.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

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 Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Redfield Canyon Wilderness lies within the ancestral lands of O’odham Jeweḍ, Sobaipuri, Tohono O’odham.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include San Carlos, Pima.

Data from Native Land Digital

Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Redfield Canyon Wilderness 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: Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits
Lithology: Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}, Minor:{mudstone,siltstone,limestone,gypsum}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 43
Unique Species: 42
Oldest: 31.8 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 66
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Uranium, Copper, Geothermal, Fluorine-Fluorite, Silver, Gold, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Beryllium

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 116°F (1990-06-26)
Record Low: -11°F (2011-02-03)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 55
Largest Fire: RINCON (22,053.5 acres)
Most Recent: 2023
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Aguja Canyon-San Pedro River
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Redfield Canyon Wilderness, Graham Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Official condition reports for Redfield Canyon Wilderness cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: REDINGTON, AZ US (10.95 mi)