Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
Trails in Arizona
What to Pack for Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.
Pack for Mountain Forest terrain, Semi-Arid, and the wildlife considerations above.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
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First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
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Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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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.
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Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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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.
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Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
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Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.
Wildlife Gear
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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.
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Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
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Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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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.
Terrain Gear
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Trekking poles — Poles reduce knee impact by up to 25% on steep descents, preventing the joint pain that slows hikers on long routes.
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Ankle-support boots — Loose rock, roots, and uneven terrain put constant lateral stress on ankles; supportive boots prevent the sprains that end trips.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Whether you're here for boating or looking to try something different, Chevelon Lake has options.
Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.
Activities
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boating — Explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters by motorboat or sailboat.
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fishing — Cast a line in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters in pursuit of local fish species.
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hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
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photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
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picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
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running — Hit scenic trails or park loops for a workout surrounded by fresh air and open space.
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swimming — Cool off in designated lakes, rivers, or ocean beaches during warm weather.
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walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
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wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Mountain Forest — Mountain forests combine dense tree cover with steep slopes and elevation changes.
Wildlife Safety at Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.
Most visitors at Chevelon Lake never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 30/10 means preparation matters.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (102mi from city)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.
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.
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.
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 Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The Mountain Forest environment here supports 54 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings. -
Woods' rose — Pink five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.
Shrubs (2)
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Fourwing Saltbush — Foliage often appears silvery due to salt excretion. -
fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.
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 — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings. -
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail. -
American Bison — A massive, hump-shouldered bovine with shaggy dark brown fur. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — A small desert squirrel with tan fur and white stripe along sides.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib -
Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail -
Hooded Merganser — Male with large white crest -
Brewer's Sparrow — Plain gray-brown plumage -
Black-throated Sparrow — Bold black throat patch
Reptiles (11)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration. -
Eastern Collared Lizard — A colorful lizard with two black collar bands around the neck. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration. -
Prairie Rattlesnake — A tan to greenish rattlesnake with dark oval blotches along the back. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
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 Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino Climate & Sun
Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.
The annual average temperature here is 49.9°F, with 17.3 inches of precipitation.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 49.9°F
Annual precipitation: 17.3 in
With an average annual temperature of 49.9°F and 17.3 inches of precipitation, Chevelon Lake has cool, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 1.5 in |
| Feb | 36°F | 1.4 in |
| Mar | 41°F | 1.2 in |
| Apr | 47°F | 0.5 in |
| May | 55°F | 0.6 in |
| Jun | 65°F | 0.4 in |
| Jul | 70°F | 2.7 in |
| Aug | 68°F | 3.3 in |
| Sep | 62°F | 1.7 in |
| Oct | 51°F | 1.2 in |
| Nov | 41°F | 1.2 in |
| Dec | 33°F | 1.6 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: 5:09 AM – 7:36 PM
Winter: 7:22 AM – 5:14 PM
Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Here's the practical side of visiting Chevelon Lake.
Chevelon Lake is 102 miles from Phoenix — here's what to budget for the trip.
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 (Unpaved surface)
- Strollers: not_recommended (35/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
The area around Chevelon Lake has plenty more to offer.
If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Chevelon Lake.
Nearby Trails
- Long Draw Ohv South, Coconino 1.38 mi
- One Eighty Trail, Coconino 1.94 mi
- Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino 3.56 mi
- Telephone Ridge, Coconino 4.64 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Chevelon Canyon Lake Cg Campground, Coconino 0.27 mi
- Chevelon Crossing Cg Campground, Coconino 6.29 mi
- Fr 237 Campground, Coconino 10.76 mi
- Fr 169 Campground, Coconino 11.31 mi
- Larson Ridge Cg Campground, Coconino 12.37 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.
On clear nights, the Bortle class 3 skies above Chevelon Lake reveal constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
From Chevelon Lake, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.
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Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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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:
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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 Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino
The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.
Timing your visit to Chevelon Lake 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: 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 Chevelon Lake Trail, 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, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Territories
Languages
Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Dilzhę́’é (South).
Data from Native Land Digital
Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Chevelon Lake 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
Chevelon Lake Trail, Coconino Safety & Conditions
The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.
Before visiting Chevelon Lake, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.
Coordinates: 34.509251, -110.836222