Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
Trailheads in Arizona
What to Pack for Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.
What you bring to Durfee Trailhead matters. This list reflects the actual conditions you'll encounter.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
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First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
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Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
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Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
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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.
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Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
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Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
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Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
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First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.
Terrain Gear
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Trekking poles — On river crossings and loose scree, two extra contact points dramatically improve balance and confidence.
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Ankle-support boots — A rolled ankle miles from a trailhead can turn a day hike into a rescue situation; prevention is far easier than treatment.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
From hiking, photography, picnicking, the outdoor activities at Durfee Trailhead take advantage of the local terrain and climate.
With a photography score of 55/100, Durfee Trailhead offers Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.
Activities
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hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
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photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
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picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
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running — Trail running combines endurance with changing terrain and natural views.
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walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
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wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Mountain Forest — Conifers often dominate at higher elevations, with rocky soils and cooler temperatures.
Wildlife Safety at Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.
Understanding the local hazards at Durfee Trailhead starts with knowing what's here: venomous snakes.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (107mi from city)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Mountain Forest habitat around Durfee Trailhead.
Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.
Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.
Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.
Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.
Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.
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 Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Walk quietly and you may spot Pronghorn and Wapiti among the 0 tree species and 2 wildflowers that grow here.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — Cup-shaped flower with three rounded petals. -
Woods' rose — Arching thorny stems with pinnate leaves.
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 — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong. -
Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Black-tipped tail distinguishes it from some other prairie dogs. -
American Bison — Large head with curved horns and heavy forequarters. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — White underside and underside of tail.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow -
Great-tailed Grackle — Brown female -
Hooded Merganser — Brown female with shaggy crest -
Brewer's Sparrow — Faint facial markings -
Black-throated Sparrow — Gray face with white stripes
Reptiles (11)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches. -
Eastern Collared Lizard — Males display bright green and blue hues during breeding season. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side. -
Prairie Rattlesnake — Broad triangular head and distinct rattle. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays.
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 Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino Climate & Sun
Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.
Climate data for Durfee Trailhead shows Semi-Arid patterns, averaging 50.9°F year-round.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 50.9°F
Annual precipitation: 15.7 in
With an average annual temperature of 50.9°F and 15.7 inches of precipitation, Durfee Trailhead has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 71°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 1.3 in |
| Feb | 37°F | 1.2 in |
| Mar | 42°F | 1.2 in |
| Apr | 48°F | 0.5 in |
| May | 56°F | 0.6 in |
| Jun | 66°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 71°F | 2.5 in |
| Aug | 69°F | 2.9 in |
| Sep | 63°F | 1.6 in |
| Oct | 52°F | 1.1 in |
| Nov | 42°F | 1.1 in |
| Dec | 33°F | 1.4 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.6 hours.
Summer: 5:09 AM – 7:36 PM
Winter: 7:22 AM – 5:14 PM
Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access
With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.
The closest major city is Phoenix at 107 miles, making this a short road trip destination.
Visitor Friendliness
Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: highly_suitable (Unpaved surface)
- Strollers: possible (50/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.
12 outdoor locations are close enough to Durfee Trailhead to combine into a single trip.
Nearby Trails
- Chevelon Crossing Access Trail, Coconino 1.16 mi
- Chevelon Crossing Trail, Coconino 1.24 mi
- Long Draw Ohv Loop, Coconino 1.24 mi
- Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino 4.02 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Chevelon Crossing Cg Campground, Coconino 1.16 mi
- Chevelon Canyon Lake Cg Campground, Coconino 5.33 mi
- Fr 237 Campground, Coconino 15.75 mi
- Fr 169 Campground, Coconino 16.41 mi
- Larson Ridge Cg Campground, Coconino 17.33 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.
The night sky here rates Bortle class 3, meaning Rural sky conditions for spotting constellations and celestial events.
Constellations
Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.
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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.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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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:
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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 Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
Different seasons reveal different sides of Durfee Trailhead.
The landscape at Durfee Trailhead transforms through the year, with 3 notable seasonal events.
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 Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino
This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.
Indigenous peoples have shaped this landscape for millennia. Durfee Trailhead sits within 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).
Data from Native Land Digital
Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Durfee 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
- 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
Durfee Trailhead (S, 1mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions
For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.
Live conditions for Durfee Trailhead — bookmark these for your trip.
Coordinates: 34.579847, -110.80293