Photo: davidpinter / CC BY 3.0

Fishing 7,595 ft Bortle 4 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

Woods Canyon Lake Group Area is located in north central Arizona near the community of Forest Lakes. The camp is adjacent to popular Woods Canyon Lake and situated in thick pine forests, providing a great getaway for large groups of up to 100 people. It offers plenty of activities for anglers, boaters, hikers, families and photographers. Recreation Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, and one of the most visited. Trout fishing (both lake and stream) is a favorite pastime. Woods Canyon Lake only allows electric boat motors. Two other lakes are within a short drive. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail, less than a mile from the campground, and others in the area lead to spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim. An easy hiking trail meanders around the lake, and the paved roads in the recreation area make for great afternoon bike rides. Families might also enjoy attending educational programs given by Forest Service rangers on the weekends. Facilities The group camping area is primitive but convenient to the lake. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The facility can comfortably accommodate 70 people, though the maximum is 100. Natural Features Woods Canyon Lake is surrounded by a dense forest of pine, fir, oak and aspen, and sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Hikers who venture onto nearby trails are afforded expansive views of the land beneath the Mogollon Rim. The Mogollon Rim, pronounced by locals as "muggy-own," is a 200-mile long cliff in northern Arizona that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation and serves as the geographical dividing line between the cool high country above and the hot, dry desert below. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures. Wildlife viewing includes birds, squirrels, deer and elk. Deer, skunks and bears are common campground visitors. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181. Nearby Attractions The nearest full service community is Payson, Arizona, 35 miles west on Highway 260. Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.

Near Young, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Woods Canyon Lake Group, 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 Woods Canyon Lake Group — Desert terrain, Temperate, and local wildlife.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
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.
Headlamp (extra) — Cave exploration, deep canyons, and dense forest canopy create darkness even during daylight hours.
Emergency bivy — Unlike a space blanket, a bivy fully encloses you, trapping more warmth and blocking wind from all directions.
PLB/satellite messenger — In remote wilderness with no cell coverage, a PLB is your only way to call for help during a serious injury or emergency.
SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

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

Outdoor recreation at Woods Canyon Lake Group centers on birdwatching, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 55/100, Woods Canyon Lake Group offers Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

birdwatching — Binoculars and field guides help track seasonal migrations and rare sightings.
boating — Boating provides a different perspective on shorelines and wildlife.
camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
fishing — Fishing blends patience and skill with peaceful waterfront settings.
hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
mountain_biking — Mountain biking combines speed, balance, and changing landscapes.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
swimming — Swimming adds refreshing fun to a day outdoors.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
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 Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

A danger score of 25/10 means Woods Canyon Lake Group requires moderate preparation compared to the average trail.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (89mi)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (34N), Elevated (7,595ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Desert habitat around Woods Canyon Lake Group.

Western Diamondback

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.

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

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

Sidewinder

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 Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

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

The plant life here ranges from Arizona sycamore in the canopy to purple owl's-clover and pinkflower hedgehog cactus along the trail edges.

Trees (1)

Arizona sycamore — Trunks may become massive near the base.

Wildflowers (4)

purple owl's-clover — Upright stems with finely divided leaves.
pinkflower hedgehog cactus — Bright pink funnel-shaped flowers at stem tips.
California poppy — Finely divided blue-green foliage forming low mounds.
Coulter's lupine — It blooms in spring.

Shrubs (3)

Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Adapted to desert heat, this cactus stores water in thick stems and tolerates prolonged drought.
Sonoran scrub oak — The plant forms thickets in arid landscapes.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Buckhorn Cholla
jojoba
Panamint liveforever
ocotillo

Mammals (1)

White-tailed Deer — Slender build with long legs and large dark eyes.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Streaked brown female
House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow
European Starling — Spotted winter plumage with pale speckles
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Black half-collar on nape
Dark-eyed Junco — Oregon form with dark hood and brown back

Reptiles (7)

Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches.
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.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays.

Amphibians (3)

Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad
Lowland Leopard Frog

Insects (6)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Queen
Marine Blue
Gray Buckeye
Dainty Sulphur

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Blonde Tarantula

Nature Bingo at Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Black-throated Gray Warbler (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Ornate Tree Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Woods Canyon Lake Group.

With 33.3 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 50.1°F, Woods Canyon Lake Group has Temperate conditions.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 50.1°F

Annual precipitation: 33.3 in

With an average annual temperature of 50.1°F and 33.3 inches of precipitation, Woods Canyon Lake Group has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

Winter 34°

4.6"

Spring 46°

1.4"

Summer 69°

3.4"

Fall 52°

1.7"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	34°F	4.6 in
Feb	36°F	4.2 in
Mar	41°F	3.7 in
Apr	46°F	1.4 in
May	55°F	1.0 in
Jun	65°F	0.3 in
Jul	69°F	3.4 in
Aug	67°F	4.1 in
Sep	62°F	2.3 in
Oct	52°F	1.7 in
Nov	42°F	2.3 in
Dec	34°F	4.3 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: 5:10 AM – 7:36 PM

Winter: 7:22 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:22 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:36 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:36 PM Golden hour from 6:59 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:36 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:32 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Trip planning for Woods Canyon Lake Group starts with the 89-mile route from Phoenix.

Nearest city: Phoenix (89 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $22.27 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 72 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

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 (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 11 destinations surround Woods Canyon Lake Group.

Nearby Trails

Meadow Trail, Coconino 0.43 mi
Woods Canyon Nature Trail, Coconino 0.55 mi
Woods Canyon Lake Trail, Coconino 0.77 mi
Woods Canyon Lake Connector, Coconino 0.77 mi
Woods Canyon Nature Trail Conn, Coconino 1.02 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Spillway (az) Campground, Coconino 0.28 mi
Spillway Group Cg Campground, Coconino 0.29 mi
Aspen Cg Campground, Coconino 0.4 mi
Aspen (az) Campground, Coconino 0.4 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 4 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

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.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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:

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 Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Woods Canyon Lake Group 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 Woods Canyon Lake Group, 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 Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).

Territories

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Dilzhę́’é (South).

Dilzhę́’é (South)

Data from Native Land Digital

Woods Canyon Lake Group, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Woods Canyon Lake Group 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: 1
Unique Species: 1
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 20
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Manganese, Iron, Barium-Barite, Fire Clay (Refractory), Kaolin, Clay, Silica, Sand and Gravel

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 96°F (2005-07-12)
Record Low: -22°F (1949-01-04)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 172
Largest Fire: Dudley (20,116.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a humid climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Upper Wildcat Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 5 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 30/100

Woods Canyon Lake Group, 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 Woods Canyon Lake Group right now.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PLEASANT VALLEY, AZ US (15.85 mi)