Photo: CWanamaker / CC BY 3.0

Fishing 5,456 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Cave Springs sits in the scenic Oak Creek Canyon and is one of Coconino National Forest's most popular campgrounds. The campground is nestled in a forested canyon near the town of Sedona, Arizona, and its famous red rock cliffs. The scenery is unmatched, the stream is stocked with trout, and swimming, hiking and birding spots are nearby. Recreation There are several hiking trails in the vicinity. Some lead up the canyon slopes to offer good views of the surrounding scenery. The creek is bordered with paths that lead along its picturesque course, offering great bird watching and fishing. Facilities Cave Spring is a large campground with 84 campsites, including one tent-only site. All sites have picnic tables, campfire rings and cooking grills. Token-operated showers, drinking water and vault restrooms are provided for convenience. The facility can host RVs, trailers and motor homes up to 36-ft. Natural Features The area is a heavily wooded, lush riparian zone. Campsites are located in a shady stand of ponderosa pines in the upper reaches of the canyon. Many of the campsites are located right on the banks of Oak Creek. The creek has crystal clear, cool water that is refreshing on hot summer days. Nearby Attractions The nearest town is Sedona, popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. One of Arizona's best swimming spots, Slide Rock State Park, is down the road. Campers can also explore the 1.8-million acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.

Near Munds Park, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Cave Spring, Coconino

Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.

A well-prepared pack for Cave Spring covers 3 categories: essential, wildlife gear, terrain gear.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

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 Cave Spring, Coconino

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

The mix of Forest terrain and Temperate conditions here supports everything from birdwatching, camping, caving.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

birdwatching — Quiet observation often leads to rewarding encounters.
camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
caving — Always go with experienced guides and follow safety protocols.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
soaking — Follow posted guidelines to preserve delicate spring ecosystems.
stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

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

Terrain: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.

Wildlife Safety at Cave Spring, Coconino

Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.

The danger score of 35/10 at Cave Spring accounts for Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Flood zone, Remote (109mi from city) in the area.

Danger rating: 35/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Flood zone
Remote (109mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: high (Southern latitude (35N), Elevated (5,456ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 55/100

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

Venomous Snakes

3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.

Western Diamondback

Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.

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

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

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

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

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 Cave Spring, Coconino

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

The ecosystem around Cave Spring is defined by its Forest landscape, supporting everything from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak to Red-winged Blackbird and House Sparrow.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.
Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.
white fir — White fir is a tall evergreen with soft, bluish-green needles that curve upward from the twig.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — Slender stem rising from narrow basal leaves.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build.
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Often stands upright near burrow mounds.
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn
European Starling — Sleek dark breeding plumage with yellow bill
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Squared tail with white tips
Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Typically grows 18–36 inches long with a narrow head and round pupils.
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

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

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Cave Spring, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Cave Spring, Coconino Climate & Sun

The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Cave Spring.

Month-by-month temperatures at Cave Spring range from °F to °F.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 52.9°F

Annual precipitation: 26.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 52.9°F and 26.2 inches of precipitation, Cave Spring has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 72°F, while winter lows drop to 37°F.

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

Winter 37°

3.3"

Spring 49°

1.4"

Summer 72°

2.1"

Fall 55°

1.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	37°F	3.3 in
Feb	39°F	3.3 in
Mar	44°F	3.2 in
Apr	49°F	1.4 in
May	57°F	0.9 in
Jun	67°F	0.3 in
Jul	72°F	2.1 in
Aug	70°F	3.0 in
Sep	65°F	2.1 in
Oct	55°F	1.8 in
Nov	45°F	1.9 in
Dec	37°F	2.9 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 – 7:41 PM

Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:16 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:27 AM, Sunset 5:16 PM Golden hour from 4:37 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:12 AM, Sunset 7:41 PM Golden hour from 7:04 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:39 AM, Sunset 6:33 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:08 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:02 PM

Cave Spring, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.

Access to Cave Spring is primarily via Phoenix, 109 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (109 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $27.16 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 87.8 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

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 (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Cave Spring, Coconino

Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.

The region around Cave Spring is rich with options — 15 nearby destinations are worth exploring.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Cave Spring, Coconino

Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.

Light pollution at Cave Spring is Rural sky (Bortle 3), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
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.

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.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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:

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 Cave Spring, Coconino

What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.

Seasonal changes at Cave Spring bring — each offering a distinct experience.

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 Cave Spring, Coconino

The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.

We acknowledge that Cave Spring is located on the traditional lands of Jumanos, Hopitutskwa, Pueblos.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.

Data from Native Land Digital

Cave Spring, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Cave Spring 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: Pliocene to late Miocene basaltic rocks
Lithology: Major:{basalt}
Age: Neogene

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 5
Unique Species: 5
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 26
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Stone, Crushed/Broken

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (2005-07-18)
Record Low: -35°F (1979-01-30)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 100
Largest Fire: Snake Ridge (15,333.3 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Lower Woods Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 63 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 46/100

Cave Spring, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.

Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Cave Spring.

Flood zone: In FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE)

Nearest weather station: MUNDS PARK 0.3 ESE, AZ US (6.94 mi)