Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
Trailheads in Arizona
Near Fredonia, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
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 Snake Gulch-kanab Creek — Desert 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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Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
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Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
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Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
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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.
Climate Gear
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — A base layer, insulating mid-layer, and wind shell cover the full range of temperatures you might encounter in a single day.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
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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.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Outdoor recreation at Snake Gulch-kanab Creek centers on backpacking, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.
With a photography score of 65/100, Snake Gulch-kanab Creek offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
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backpacking — Backpacking combines endurance, planning, and remote wilderness camping.
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fishing — Fishing blends patience and skill with peaceful waterfront settings.
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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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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: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.
Wildlife Safety at Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.
A danger score of 45/10 means Snake Gulch-kanab Creek requires high preparation compared to the average trail.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (158mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear inhabit the forests around Snake Gulch-kanab Creek, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.
Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.
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
Watch your step — are present in the Desert habitat around Snake Gulch-kanab Creek.
- 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 Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The plant life here ranges from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak in the canopy to Stansbury's Cliffrose along the trail edges.
Trees (2)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico. -
Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
Wildflowers (1)
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Stansbury's Cliffrose — Creamy white five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.
Shrubs (2)
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Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer. -
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Adapted to desert heat, this cactus stores water in thick stems and tolerates prolonged drought.
Other Plants (5)
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Whipple Cholla
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Spinystar
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Kingcup Cactus
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Utah Juniper
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Plains Pricklypear
Mammals (5)
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Abert's Squirrel — White underside and bushy tail edged in white. -
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Two bold stripes run along the back but none on the face. -
Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — White underside and underside of tail.
Birds (10)
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Common Raven — Broad wings with fingered primaries -
Horned Lark — Small black feather tufts -
California Condor — White wing patches -
Bald Eagle — Dark brown juvenile without white head -
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Gray back
Reptiles (9)
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Desert Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue patches on the underside. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly. -
Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings.
Insects (7)
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Convergent Lady Beetle -
Hunt's Bumble Bee -
Pandora Pinemoth -
Anicia Checkerspot -
Painted Lady
Nature Bingo at Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino Climate & Sun
Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Snake Gulch-kanab Creek.
With 16.1 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 52.5°F, Snake Gulch-kanab Creek has Semi-Arid conditions.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 52.5°F
Annual precipitation: 16.1 in
With an average annual temperature of 52.5°F and 16.1 inches of precipitation, Snake Gulch-kanab Creek has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 74°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 1.6 in |
| Feb | 37°F | 1.6 in |
| Mar | 43°F | 1.9 in |
| Apr | 49°F | 1.1 in |
| May | 58°F | 0.8 in |
| Jun | 69°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 74°F | 1.4 in |
| Aug | 72°F | 1.8 in |
| Sep | 65°F | 1.4 in |
| Oct | 54°F | 1.7 in |
| Nov | 42°F | 1.1 in |
| Dec | 34°F | 1.4 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5 hours.
Summer: 5:09 AM – 7:49 PM
Winter: 7:34 AM – 5:14 PM
Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.
Trip planning for Snake Gulch-kanab Creek starts with the 158-mile route from Las Vegas.
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 (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.
From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 11 destinations surround Snake Gulch-kanab Creek.
Nearby Trails
- Snake Gulch Trail, Coconino 0.47 mi
- Jacob Canyon Trail, Coconino 3.83 mi
- Big Spring Lookout Trail, Coconino 6.97 mi
- Brow Monument Trail, Coconino 8.18 mi
- North Timp Snowmobile Trail, Coconino 8.85 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.
For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 1 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, 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. -
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.
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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 Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
Each season brings something different to this area.
From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Snake Gulch-kanab Creek rewards visitors in every season.
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 5882ft 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 Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino
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 Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.
Territories
Languages
2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Southern Paiute, Diné Bizaad.
Data from Native Land Digital
Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Snake Gulch-kanab Creek 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
- 3
- Unique Species
- 3
- Oldest
- 283.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 12
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Copper, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Gold, Silver, Iron, Manganese
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 110°F (2005-07-17)
- Record Low
- -20°F (1973-01-06)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 55
- Largest Fire
- MANGUM (71,484.1 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Caves & Karst Features
- Feature Types
- Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
- Karst Score
- 40
Watershed
- Watershed
- Jacob Canyon
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- Bigfoot Reports
- 1 (BFRO)
- Eeriness Score
- 8/100
Snake Gulch-kanab Creek Trailhead, Coconino 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 Snake Gulch-kanab Creek right now.
Coordinates: 36.701826, -112.376181