Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
Campgrounds in Arizona
Near Skull Valley, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
A well-prepared pack for Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. covers 3 categories: essential, wildlife gear, terrain gear.
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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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.
Terrain Gear
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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 Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
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 camping, hiking, picnicking.
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
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hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
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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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stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
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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: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.
Wildlife Safety at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
The danger score of 25/10 at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. accounts for Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Far from city (80mi) in the area.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Far from city (80mi)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
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.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
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 Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The ecosystem around Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. is defined by its Forest landscape, supporting everything from Gambel Oak to Great-tailed Grackle and Ring-necked Duck.
Trees (1)
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Gambel Oak — The bark is gray and furrowed, while acorns develop singly or in small clusters.
Wildflowers (2)
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Woods' rose — Red rose hips forming after flowering. -
red dome blanketflower — Compact perennial with richly colored blooms.
Shrubs (1)
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Brown-spined Pricklypear — Bright yellow to orange flowers bloom in spring.
Other Plants (5)
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Parry's agave
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Echinocereus bakeri
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box elder
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Scarlet Gilia
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Spinystar
Mammals (3)
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American Black Bear — Adults typically weigh 150–600 pounds depending on region and sex. -
Black-tailed Jackrabbit — Lean body built for speed. -
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.
Birds (30)
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Great-tailed Grackle — Iridescent sheen -
Ring-necked Duck — Subtle chestnut neck ring rarely visible -
Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume -
Common Merganser — Sleek diving profile -
Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck
Reptiles (6)
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Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long. -
Arizona Black Rattlesnake — Typically 2–4 feet long. -
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length. -
Greater Earless Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including tail. -
Plateau Striped Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long.
Amphibians (1)
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Canyon Tree Frog
Insects (17)
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Large Milkweed Bug -
Arizona Mantis -
Western Rhinoceros Beetle -
Monarch -
Red-spotted Admiral
Other Wildlife (4)
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Common Desert Centipede
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Desert Blonde Tarantula
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Apache Jumping Spider
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Stripe-tailed Scorpion
Nature Bingo at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp..
Month-by-month temperatures at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. range from °F to °F.
Climate type: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 52.3°F
Annual precipitation: 21.4 in
With an average annual temperature of 52.3°F and 21.4 inches of precipitation, Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 71°F, while winter lows drop to 37°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 2.3 in |
| Feb | 38°F | 2.4 in |
| Mar | 43°F | 2.0 in |
| Apr | 49°F | 0.8 in |
| May | 56°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 66°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 71°F | 3.5 in |
| Aug | 70°F | 3.2 in |
| Sep | 64°F | 2.1 in |
| Oct | 54°F | 1.3 in |
| Nov | 44°F | 1.1 in |
| Dec | 36°F | 1.9 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: 4:16 AM – 6:43 PM
Winter: 6:29 AM – 4:21 PM
Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Access to Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. is primarily via Phoenix, 80 miles away.
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: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
The region around Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. is rich with options — 13 nearby destinations are worth exploring.
Nearby Trails
- Garden Party Trail, Yavapai 0.25 mi
- Garden Grove Trail, Yavapai 0.81 mi
- Thumb Butte Spur Trail, Yavapai 0.99 mi
- Honey Bucket Trail, Yavapai 1.01 mi
- Circle Connection Trail, Yavapai 1.04 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
Light pollution at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. is Rural/suburban transition (Bortle 4), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, 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. -
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 Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
Seasonal changes at Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. 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 Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
We acknowledge that Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. is located on the traditional lands of Hohokam, Yavapai Apache.
Territories
Data from Native Land Digital
Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. 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
- Crooks Canyon Granite
- Formation
- Crooks Canyon Granodiorite
- Age
- Paleoproterozoic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 75
- Unique Species
- 44
- Oldest
- 23 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 604
- Richness
- Exceptional
- Minerals Found
- Gold, Copper, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Iron
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 105°F (2021-06-16)
- Record Low
- -21°F (1937-01-22)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 83
- Largest Fire
- Battle (31,801.8 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Crooks Canyon
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 38 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 2 (BFRO)
- Haunted Places
- 7 (Shadowlands)
- Eeriness Score
- 86/100
Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Fdr373-thumb Butte Loop Designated Disp..
Coordinates: 34.5424, -112.547783