Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
Trailheads in Arizona
Photo: Kaibab National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0
What to Pack for Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.
Preparation for Davenport/ponderosa starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.
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
-
Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
-
Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
-
Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
-
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
-
Trekking poles — Trekking poles also serve as emergency splint supports, tarp poles, or probes for testing snow depth.
-
Ankle-support boots — Stiff soles transfer less impact on rocky terrain, reducing foot fatigue over long distances.
-
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 Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
With 6 activities available, Davenport/ponderosa works for both quick day trips and longer stays.
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
-
hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
-
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.
-
running — From flat paths to rolling hills, running outdoors adds variety to your routine.
-
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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Mountain Forest — Streams, ravines, and varied canopy structure are common.
Wildlife Safety at Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.
Safety at Davenport/ponderosa involves knowing about 2 potential wildlife hazards in the area.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (122mi from city)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 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
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.
- 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 Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
This Mountain Forest habitat supports 8 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 5 reptile species.
Trees (3)
-
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico. -
Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States. -
white fir — The species tolerates shade and often grows beneath taller conifers.
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 Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Davenport/ponderosa 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: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 48.4°F
Annual precipitation: 22.6 in
With an average annual temperature of 48.4°F and 22.6 inches of precipitation, Davenport/ponderosa has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 68°F, while winter lows drop to 32°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°F | 2.6 in |
| Feb | 34°F | 2.8 in |
| Mar | 39°F | 2.4 in |
| Apr | 45°F | 1.0 in |
| May | 53°F | 0.8 in |
| Jun | 63°F | 0.4 in |
| Jul | 68°F | 2.6 in |
| Aug | 66°F | 3.0 in |
| Sep | 60°F | 1.8 in |
| Oct | 50°F | 1.6 in |
| Nov | 40°F | 1.4 in |
| Dec | 32°F | 2.2 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: 5:13 AM – 7:43 PM
Winter: 7:29 AM – 5:17 PM
Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Davenport/ponderosa.
Phoenix is the nearest hub at 122 miles — here's the trip breakdown.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (challenging).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent (Some climbing (500-1000ft))
- Elderly: challenging (Long distance (>2mi), Significant elevation (>200ft), Unpaved surface)
- Strollers: not_recommended (20/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.
Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.
Nearby Trails
- Ponderosa Nature Trail, Coconino 0.22 mi
- Dogtown Lake Trail, Coconino 0.82 mi
- Benham Trail, Coconino 2.78 mi
- Summit Mountain Trail, Coconino 5.63 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.
The dark sky quality at Davenport/ponderosa (Bortle 3) places it among the darkest stargazing spots in the area.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.
-
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.
-
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 Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.
The seasonal rhythm at Davenport/ponderosa 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 7076ft 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 Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino
The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.
Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Davenport/ponderosa lies within the ancestral lands of Hopitutskwa, Hohokam.
Territories
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Hopilavayi, Yavapai.
Data from Native Land Digital
Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Davenport/ponderosa 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
Davenport/ponderosa Trailhead, Coconino Safety & Conditions
Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.
Official condition reports for Davenport/ponderosa cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.
Coordinates: 35.211826, -112.124644