Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / Public domain

Campgrounds 7,844 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

The cool shade of tall ponderosa pines and an overlook of Palisade Canyon from the campgrounds edge make Showers Point Group Site a popular place for groups to spend a weekend or an afternoon. Visitors can relax in shaded campsites, picnic at nearby Rose Canyon, hike and mountain bike on nearby trails or take a scenic drive on Catalina Highway. Recreation Within easy walking distance from Showers Point is one of the most scenic overlooks in the Santa Catalinas. From this towering bluff visitors can see the lower slopes of the Santa Catalina Range and the Santa Cruz Valley stretching toward Mexico. Tall, pyramid-shaped Mt. Wrightson of the Santa Rita Mountains stands prominent on the horizon. Visitors enjoy hiking through the Santa Catalina backcountry, via the Palisade Trail that departs near the campground. The trail drops down the southwestern slopes of the mountain range to the popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Fishing is also available at the nearby six-acre Rose Canyon Lake. A day-use fee is applicable at Rose Canyon Facilities The three group campsites at Showers Point are well spread out over this spacious location and include large, leveled tent pads and picnic shelters. Each site is tent-only for up to 25 guests. The facility is equipped with water faucets and toilets. Natural Features Showers Point Group Campground sits high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains at 7,700 feet. Because of its elevation, it can be much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The campsites are spacious and spread out among stands of big ponderosa pines and clusters of Gambel oak. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (520) 314-0069. Nearby Attractions Catalina Highway, also known as General Hitchcock Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway, is the only paved road that leads to the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. It is one of the most scenic highways in the southwest and provides a popular day trip. Other notable attractions include Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon and Colossal Cave.

Near Mount Lemmon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

The right gear turns potential problems into non-issues. Here's what Showers Point Group Site demands.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

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.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
Headlamp (extra) — Remote terrain often takes longer than expected to navigate; a backup headlamp prevents being stranded in darkness if your primary fails.
Emergency bivy — An emergency bivy sack weighs 4-8 ounces and provides wind and rain protection if an injury, storm, or navigation error forces an unplanned night out.
PLB/satellite messenger — A Personal Locator Beacon sends your GPS coordinates to search-and-rescue via satellite, working anywhere on Earth with no cell signal needed.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

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

Showers Point Group Site draws visitors for backpacking, but the 12 available activities mean there's more here than most expect.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
mountain_biking — Ride off-road trails that wind through forests, deserts, and mountain terrain.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
scuba_diving — Explore underwater environments in oceans, lakes, or springs using scuba gear.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
snorkeling — Swim at the surface with a mask and snorkel to observe marine life below.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

Awareness is the best safety tool at Showers Point Group Site. Here are the wildlife considerations for this area.

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

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (106mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (32N), Elevated (7,844ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

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

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

A small slender snake with red, yellow, and black rings around the body.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

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 Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

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

30 bird species have been documented near Showers Point Group Site, alongside 5 mammals and a rich variety of native plants.

Trees (2)

Arizona sycamore — Arizona sycamore is a riparian tree with mottled white and tan exfoliating bark.
silverleaf oak — Silverleaf oak is an evergreen oak with narrow gray-green leaves.

Wildflowers (1)

Arizona poppy — Bright orange to yellow cup-shaped flowers.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
tree cholla — Tree cholla is an upright cactus with cylindrical segmented stems covered in barbed spines. It can reach 8 to 15 feet tall.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Engelmann's hedgehog cactus is a low, clumping barrel cactus with cylindrical stems covered in dense radial spines. Flowers are large and showy, typically magenta to pink, blooming in late spring.

Other Plants (5)

fishhook barrel cactus
ocotillo
rainbow hedgehog cactus
Palmer's agave
saguaro

Mammals (5)

White-tailed Deer — Reddish-brown in summer and grayish in winter with a bright white underside to the tail.
Arizona Gray Squirrel — A large gray squirrel with white underparts and long bushy tail.
White-nosed Coati — A raccoon-like mammal with long ringed tail and white facial markings.
Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

Ruddy Duck — Breeding male with bright blue bill and chestnut body
Rock Pigeon — Blue-gray with two black wing bars
Ring-necked Duck — Male with glossy black head and gray sides
Gambel's Quail — Gray body with chestnut flanks
Neotropic Cormorant — Small dark cormorant

Reptiles (9)

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — A medium-sized lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloring.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped dorsal blotches.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Clark's Spiny Lizard — A medium lizard with rough scales and gray to brown coloration.
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail — A slender lizard with spotted pattern and faint stripes.

Amphibians (3)

Sonoran Desert Toad
Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad

Insects (20)

Marine Blue
Pipevine Swallowtail
Arizona Sister
American Snout
Bordered Patch

Other Wildlife (1)

Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Nature Bingo at Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

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

Wildlife Challenge

Broad-billed Hummingbird (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Sonoran Desert Toad (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The weather at Showers Point Group Site follows a Temperate pattern — here's the monthly breakdown.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 54.6°F

Annual precipitation: 31.1 in

With an average annual temperature of 54.6°F and 31.1 inches of precipitation, Showers Point Group Site has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 40°F.

Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Consider avoiding: Aug.

Winter 40°

2.9"

Spring 51°

1.0"

Summer 70°

4.8"

Fall 58°

1.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	40°F	2.9 in
Feb	41°F	3.5 in
Mar	45°F	2.2 in
Apr	51°F	1.0 in
May	60°F	0.6 in
Jun	69°F	0.4 in
Jul	70°F	4.8 in
Aug	68°F	5.6 in
Sep	65°F	2.9 in
Oct	58°F	1.8 in
Nov	49°F	2.1 in
Dec	40°F	3.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

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

Summer: 5:15 AM – 7:30 PM

Winter: 7:16 AM – 5:19 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:16 AM, Sunset 5:19 PM Golden hour from 4:41 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:15 AM, Sunset 7:30 PM Golden hour from 6:54 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:34 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:58 PM

Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Showers Point Group Site — here's the practical information you'll need.

From Phoenix, Showers Point Group Site is a drive covering 106 miles.

Nearest city: Phoenix (106 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $26.61 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 86 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

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
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

Here's what else is nearby if you want to expand your itinerary beyond Showers Point Group Site.

Nearby Trails

Douglas Spring Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.13 mi
Creosote Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.24 mi
Stock Bypass Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.28 mi
Converse Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.29 mi
Kennedy Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.45 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin Campground, Pima 0.33 mi
Whitetail Campground (N, 0mi), Pima 0.71 mi
Sollers Cabin (az) Campground, Pima 0.82 mi
Bigelow/bear Wallow Campground, Pima 1.33 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

Showers Point Group Site sits under Bortle class 3 skies — Rural sky for stargazing in Arizona.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

From Showers Point Group Site, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
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.

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.
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.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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:

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 Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Showers Point Group Site.

Showers Point Group Site is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character and highlights.

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 Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

The 5 Indigenous groups connected to this land include O’odham Jeweḍ, Sobaipuri, Tohono O’odham.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include San Carlos, Pima.

Data from Native Land Digital

Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Showers Point Group 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: Early Tertiary to Late Cretaceous muscovite-bearing granitic rocks
Formation: Wilderness Granite; Pan Tak Granite
Lithology: Major:{granite}, Minor:{pegmatite}
Age: Thanetian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 65
Unique Species: 63
Oldest: 129,000 years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 148
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Tungsten, Gold, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Silver, Lead, Geothermal

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 118°F (1990-06-27)
Record Low: -7°F (1985-02-02)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 125
Largest Fire: BIGHORN (119,634.5 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Sabino Creek
Water Quality (Good): 16.155%
Impaired: 0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 1
Largest: Udall Park (0.2 kg)

Filming Locations

Productions Filmed: 3
Notable Films: The Dentist, Tin Cup, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 243 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 22 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 60/100

Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check these official resources for current conditions at Showers Point Group Site before you go.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: MOUNT LEMMON WILLOW CANYON, AZ US (2.03 mi)