Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
Day Use Areas in Arizona
Near Leupp, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.
Preparation for Bixler Saddle Trailhead starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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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.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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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.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
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Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
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Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Climate Gear
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — Removing a layer before you sweat keeps your clothing dry, which is critical for warmth when temperatures drop again.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
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Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
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SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
With 5 activities available, Bixler Saddle Trailhead works for both quick day trips and longer stays.
The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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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 Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.
Safety at Bixler Saddle Trailhead involves knowing about 2 potential wildlife hazards in the area.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (130mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .
Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.
Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.
- 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
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 Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
This Desert habitat supports 13 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 11 reptile species.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — Slender stem rising from narrow basal leaves. -
Woods' rose — Red rose hips forming after flowering.
Shrubs (2)
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Fourwing Saltbush — A gray-green shrub with narrow leaves and papery four-winged seed bracts. -
fernbush — A rounded shrub with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers.
Other Plants (5)
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Spinystar
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Kingcup Cactus
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Whipple Cholla
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western blue flag
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Green Ephedra
Mammals (13)
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Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs. -
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Often stands upright near burrow mounds. -
American Bison — Adults can weigh over 2,000 pounds. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — Slender body adapted to hot climates.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn -
Great-tailed Grackle — Iridescent sheen -
Hooded Merganser — Compact diving duck profile -
Brewer's Sparrow — Thin bill -
Black-throated Sparrow — White belly
Reptiles (11)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail. -
Eastern Collared Lizard — Usually 8–12 inches long. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail. -
Prairie Rattlesnake — Usually 3–4 feet long. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Amphibians (4)
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Northern Leopard Frog -
Arizona Tree Frog -
Boreal Chorus Frog -
Mexican Spadefoot
Insects (4)
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Megetra vittata
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Painted Lady -
Convergent Lady Beetle -
White-lined Sphinx
Fungi (1)
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Fly Agaric
Other Wildlife (2)
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Diablo Mountainsnail
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Common Desert Centipede
Nature Bingo at Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino 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: Continental
Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | in |
| Feb | 40°F | in |
| Mar | 47°F | in |
| Apr | 54°F | in |
| May | 60°F | in |
| Jun | 73°F | in |
| Jul | 77°F | in |
| Aug | 75°F | in |
| Sep | 67°F | in |
| Oct | 56°F | in |
| Nov | 48°F | in |
| Dec | 36°F | 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: 5:09 AM – 7:40 PM
Winter: 7:25 AM – 5:14 PM
Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Bixler Saddle Trailhead.
Phoenix is the nearest hub at 130 miles — here's the trip breakdown.
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 (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)
Places Near Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.
Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.
Nearby Trails
- Walnut Canyon Rim Trail, Walnut Canyon NM 15.86 mi
- Island Trail, Walnut Canyon NM 16.06 mi
- Cinders Access Trail, Coconino 17.63 mi
- Caves East Access Trail, Coconino 17.64 mi
- Narrows Trail, Coconino 18.15 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino 15.51 mi
- Ashurst Lake Campground, Coconino 16.06 mi
- Lakeview Campground, Coconino 17.66 mi
- Pinegrove Campground, Coconino 17.72 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.
The dark sky quality at Bixler Saddle Trailhead (Bortle 2) places it among the darkest stargazing spots in the area.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings. -
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.
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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.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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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:
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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 Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.
The seasonal rhythm at Bixler Saddle Trailhead 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: September 15 – October 10
Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak
At 5583ft 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 Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino
The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.
Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Bixler Saddle Trailhead lies within the ancestral lands of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi, Shiwi’ma Bena:we.
Data from Native Land Digital
Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Bixler Saddle Trailhead 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
- 23
- Unique Species
- 21
- Oldest
- 274.4 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 21
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Silica, Perlite
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 105°F (2021-07-10)
- Record Low
- -9°F (1963-01-13)
Wildfire History
This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.
- Recorded Fires
- 14
- Largest Fire
- Jacket (17,218.5 acres)
- Most Recent
- 9999
- Fire Risk
- High
Caves & Karst Features
- Feature Types
- Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
- Karst Score
- 40
Watershed
- Watershed
- Middle Padre Canyon
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Meteorite Landings
- Meteorites Found
- 3
- Largest
- Canyon Diablo (30000 kg)
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 1 (NUFORC)
- Eeriness Score
- 2/100
Bixler Saddle Trailhead, Coconino Safety & Conditions
Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.
Official condition reports for Bixler Saddle Trailhead cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.
Coordinates: 35.1983, -111.2268