Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

Campgrounds in Arizona

Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse

Photo: Kaibab National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 7,450 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
The Spring Valley Cabin and Bunkhouse offer a peaceful retreat with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks, quiet solitude, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to nearby trails. All just minutes away from the City of Flagstaff and an hour from the spectacular Grand Canyon National Park. This getaway can host up to 17 people between the cabin and adjacent bunkhouse. The facility can be accessed by vehicle; Forest Road 74 is not maintained during winter and may be closed during heavy snowfall. The distance from the winter parking area to the cabin is one mile. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities. Please monitor winter road conditions here on the Forest Service's Spring Valley Cabin webpage . Recreation With miles upon miles of national forest and park lands to explore, visitors have no shortage of outdoor activities from which to choose. The cabin is adjacent to the Spring Valley Trail System, which provides access to the cabin when the roads are covered in snow. Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are very popular in this area, and there are plenty of trails. Kendrick Mountain Wilderness is nearby and provides several trailheads and entry points into designated wilderness. Visitors might be lucky enough to spot wildlife such as elk, mule deer, wild turkeys, javelina, coyote and numerous birds and raptors that live in the area. Facilities The facility is made up of two buildings, and can accomodate ten people at the main cabin and seven in the bunkhouse. The cabin has a living/dining area, a side room with a woodstove, a bedroom, a restroom with flushable toilet and shower, and a kitchen with drinking water and plenty of kitchen supplies (i.e. propane range stove, refridgerator, microwave, and dishes). The cabin can sleep up to ten people and has an arrangement of three bunk beds with twin sized mattresses and two futon couches. Electric/propane heaters are available for use.  The bunkhouse offers three bunkbeds with twin size mattresses and one full-size futon couch, available to sleep up to seven people, and a small woodstove.  Located outside is an enclosure for firewood, picnic tables, grills, and a vault toilet. Guests must bring their own food, bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets and/or sleeping bags), bath and kitchen towels, garbage bags, warm clothing, dish soap, and flashlights, amongst other necessities. Upon check out, the facility must be cleaned, and all food and trash removed prior to departure. Natural Features The structures are located at an elevation of 7,320 feet, overlooking a wide meadow and is nestled beneath mature ponderosa pines. The cabin was constructed in 1917 as the residence for rangers who worked at the guard station. The bunkhouse served as the office. It is still occasionally used as a field station for U.S. Forest Service employees. Winter brings a mix of sun with cold temperatures and occasional winter storms. Summer temperatures are relatively pleasant, but weather can very. Visitors should come prepared for changeable mountain weather, cold nights, thunderstorms and snow from fall through spring. Nearby Attractions Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is a must-see attraction just over an hour away. The nearby town of Williams and the city of Flagstaff have numerous restaurants, hotels, gift shops, grocery stores and cultural attractions.

Near Bellemont, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

Pack for Grassland terrain, Temperate, and the wildlife considerations above.

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

  • Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
  • Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
  • Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
  • 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.

Climate Gear

  • Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
  • Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
  • Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.

Terrain Gear

  • 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 Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

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

Whether you're here for backpacking or looking to try something different, Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse has options.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

  • backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
  • birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
  • camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
  • glamping — Enjoy nature with upgraded comforts like furnished tents or cabins.
  • horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
  • ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
  • ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
  • 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.
  • sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
  • snowshoeing — Traverse snowy trails using wide snowshoes that distribute weight over soft terrain.
  • soaking — Relax in natural hot springs or designated soaking pools surrounded by scenic views.
  • 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: Grassland — Grasslands are open landscapes dominated by grasses with few trees.

Wildlife Safety at Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

Most visitors at Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 45/10 means preparation matters.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high
  • Bears present
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (132mi from city)
Altitude risk: mild
UV risk: high (Mid latitude (35N), Elevated (7,450ft))
Photo score: 65/100
  • Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

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

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. 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.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

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

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

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

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 Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

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

The Grassland environment here supports 43 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Trees (3)

  • Southwestern Ponderosa Pine
    Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.
  • Gambel Oak
    Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
  • white fir
    white fir — The species tolerates shade and often grows beneath taller conifers.

Wildflowers (2)

  • Arizona mariposa lily
    Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings.
  • Stansbury's Cliffrose
    Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Other Plants (5)

  • Echinocereus bakeri
  • great mullein
  • quaking aspen
  • alligator juniper
  • western blue flag

Mammals (8)

  • Abert's Squirrel
    Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter.
  • Mule Deer
    Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
  • Gunnison's Prairie Dog
    Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail.
  • Wapiti
    Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
  • Rock Squirrel
    Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

  • Red-winged Blackbird
    Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
  • House Sparrow
    House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
  • European Starling
    European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove
    Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
  • Dark-eyed Junco
    Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly

Reptiles (5)

  • Plateau Fence Lizard
    Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
    Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
  • Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
    Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body.
  • Gopher Snake
    Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.
  • Ornate Tree Lizard
    Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.

Amphibians (2)

  • American Bullfrog
    American Bullfrog
  • Arizona Tree Frog
    Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

  • Convergent Lady Beetle
    Convergent Lady Beetle
  • Gray Buckeye
    Gray Buckeye
  • Carolina Grasshopper
    Carolina Grasshopper
  • White-lined Sphinx
    White-lined Sphinx
  • Spotted Pine Sawyer
    Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

  • lobster mushroom
    lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

  • Common Pill Woodlouse
  • Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The annual average temperature here is 46.7°F, with 21.9 inches of precipitation.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 46.7°F

Annual precipitation: 21.9 in

With an average annual temperature of 46.7°F and 21.9 inches of precipitation, Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 66°F, while winter lows drop to 31°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Dec.

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 31°F 2.4 in
Feb 32°F 2.5 in
Mar 38°F 2.2 in
Apr 43°F 1.1 in
May 51°F 0.8 in
Jun 61°F 0.3 in
Jul 66°F 2.6 in
Aug 64°F 3.1 in
Sep 58°F 1.8 in
Oct 48°F 1.6 in
Nov 38°F 1.4 in
Dec 30°F 2.1 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 5:12 AM – 7:43 PM

Winter: 7:29 AM – 5:16 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:29 AM, Sunset 5:16 PM Golden hour from 4:37 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:12 AM, Sunset 7:43 PM Golden hour from 7:06 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:36 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse.

Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse is 132 miles from Phoenix — here's what to budget for the trip.

Nearest city: Phoenix (132 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $33.01 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 106.7 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 Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

The area around Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse has plenty more to offer.

If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

On clear nights, the Bortle class 2 skies above Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse reveal constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

From Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
  • Cassiopeia
    Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
  • Cepheus
    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
    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
    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
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.

  • Delta Aquariids
    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
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    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 Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Timing your visit to Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you experience.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 7450ft 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 Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Hopitutskwa, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai), Hualapai.

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Havasupai, Hopilavayi, Yavapai.

Data from Native Land Digital

Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse 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
Holocene to middle Pliocene basaltic rocks
Lithology
Major:{basalt}, Minor:{andesite,dacite,rhyolite}
Age
Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences
7
Unique Species
5
Oldest
283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
59
Richness
Moderate
Minerals Found
Pumice, Volcanic Materials, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Perlite

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High
120°F (1990-07-01)
Record Low
-30°F (2011-01-01)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires
192
Largest Fire
Rafael (78,064.2 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types
Volcanic rocks with potential for pseudokarst features
Karst Score
30

Watershed

Watershed
Pitman Valley-Scholz Lake
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found
1
Largest
San Francisco Mountains (1.7 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings
2 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports
1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score
22/100

Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse Campground, Coconino Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Before visiting Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.

Nearest weather station: PARKS 4.5 SW, AZ US (10.56 mi)

Coordinates: 35.356944, -111.958333

Packing List Safety Guide ↑ Top
Spring Valley Cabin & Bunkhouse
Arizona · 7,450 ft · Campgrounds · 35.3569°N, -111.9583°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Bellemont, AZ

Bear country — Store food properly, carry bear spray (Black Bear)

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step (Western Diamondback,Mojave,Sidewinder)