Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

Parks 7,244 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Almost all of the area's southern boundary is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The southwestern boundary is the Croton Road and the remainder of the western boundary is formed by coal exploration roads and State lands in the Rogers Canyon and East of the Navajo areas. The northern boundary is the Left Hand Collet Canyon road. To the east and below the Straight Cliffs, the boundary is the Fiftymile Bench road to the Left Hand Collet Road.The WSA is best known as a location for viewing the panoramas of the lower Glen Canyon region. Features that can be viewed from the Fiftymile Mountain WSA include Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain Rainbow Plateau, Glen Canyon, and the Canyonlands of the Escalante River.Fiftymile Mountain is unique in the sense that the plateau is the only island of green in the midst of red and yellow Canyonlands and Lake Powell.

Near Marble Canyon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

This packing list is tailored to the Desert environment and Temperate at Fiftymile Mountain.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
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.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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.

Climate Gear

Layering system (wide temp swings) — Desert and mountain environments can swing 40+ degrees between dawn and midday; layers let you adapt without overheating or freezing.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
Headlamp (extra) — Remote terrain often takes longer than expected to navigate; a backup headlamp prevents being stranded in darkness if your primary fails.
Emergency bivy — An emergency bivy sack weighs 4-8 ounces and provides wind and rain protection if an injury, storm, or navigation error forces an unplanned night out.
PLB/satellite messenger — A Personal Locator Beacon sends your GPS coordinates to search-and-rescue via satellite, working anywhere on Earth with no cell signal needed.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

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

The terrain here lends itself to hiking, photography, picnicking — activities that match the Desert environment.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

The wildlife safety profile at Fiftymile Mountain includes bears, venomous snakes — here's what to know about each.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (232mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (37N), Elevated (7,244ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.

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

Venomous snakes here include . They're most active during warm months.

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 Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

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

The natural world around Fiftymile Mountain reflects its Desert setting — Frémont Cottonwood and single-leaf ash overhead, Eastwood's monkeyflower and Smallflower Fishhook Cactus at your feet, and wildlife throughout.

Trees (2)

Frémont Cottonwood — It grows along desert streams and floodplains.
single-leaf ash — It grows in arid canyon habitats.

Wildflowers (5)

Eastwood's monkeyflower — Yellow tubular flowers with red spotting.
Smallflower Fishhook Cactus — Rounded cactus with hooked central spines.
Sego Lily — White to lilac cup-shaped flowers with purple markings.
cardinal flower — Tall spikes of vivid red tubular flowers.
firecracker penstemon — Blooms form loose clusters at stem tips.

Shrubs (1)

Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.

Other Plants (5)

Sacred Datura
black maidenhair fern
gilia beardtongue
Scarlet Gilia
Tamarisks

Mammals (4)

Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.
American Beaver — A large semi-aquatic rodent with flat paddle-shaped tail.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit — A large hare with very long ears tipped in black.
North American Porcupine — A slow-moving rodent covered in sharp quills over its back and tail.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail
Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Juniper Titmouse — Plain gray body
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (10)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.
Western Rattlesnake — A heavy-bodied pit viper with dark blotches along a brown or gray body.

Amphibians (4)

Northern Leopard Frog
Canyon Tree Frog
Woodhouse's Toad
Red-spotted Toad

Insects (8)

Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp
White-lined Sphinx
Hoary Comma
Great Basin Wood-Nymph

Fungi (1)

hoary cobblestone lichen

Other Wildlife (10)

Channel Catfish
Bluegill
European Carp
Striped Bass
Arizona Bark Scorpion

Nature Bingo at Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Bighorn Sheep (mammal)
Common Side-blotched Lizard (reptile)
Northern Leopard Frog (amphibian)
Sacred Datura (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Fiftymile Mountain, Kane Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The climate at Fiftymile Mountain peaks for outdoor activity during May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, when temperatures average °F.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 50.4°F

Annual precipitation: 20.4 in

With an average annual temperature of 50.4°F and 20.4 inches of precipitation, Fiftymile Mountain has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 73°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.

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

Winter 33°

2.2"

Spring 46°

1.0"

Summer 73°

1.9"

Fall 51°

2.2"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	33°F	2.2 in
Feb	34°F	2.3 in
Mar	40°F	1.5 in
Apr	46°F	1.0 in
May	55°F	0.8 in
Jun	67°F	0.4 in
Jul	73°F	1.9 in
Aug	71°F	2.6 in
Sep	63°F	2.7 in
Oct	51°F	2.2 in
Nov	40°F	1.4 in
Dec	33°F	1.4 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.6 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5.1 hours.

Summer: 5:03 AM – 7:46 PM

Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:08 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:31 AM, Sunset 5:08 PM Golden hour from 4:27 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:03 AM, Sunset 7:46 PM Golden hour from 7:07 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:37 AM, Sunset 6:31 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fiftymile Mountain, Kane Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Fiftymile Mountain.

Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from Las Vegas, here's what visiting Fiftymile Mountain involves.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (232 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $57.93 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 187.2 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

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
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

The area around Fiftymile Mountain has plenty more to offer.

The proximity of 6 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

Under the Bortle class 1 skies at Fiftymile Mountain, you can expect to see 3 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Fiftymile Mountain, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
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.

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.
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.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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:

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 Fiftymile Mountain, Kane

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Knowing what each season brings helps you plan the best possible visit to Fiftymile Mountain.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 7244ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Fiftymile Mountain, Kane Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Fiftymile Mountain 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: Bluff Ss, Summerville Fm, Curtis Fm, Entrada Ss, and Carmel Formation
Formation: Bluff Sandstone; Summerville Formation; Curtis Formation; Entrada Sandstone; Carmel Formation
Lithology: Major:{sandstone}, Minor:{siltstone mudstone,limestone}, Incidental:{gypsum}
Age: Jurassic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 31
Unique Species: 20
Oldest: 192.9 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 22
Richness: High
Minerals Found: Titanium, Metal, Iron, Zirconium, Thorium, Gold, Platinum, Silver

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 2596
ESA Endangered: 44
ESA Threatened: 29
Conservation Score: 100/100

Wildfire History

This area has a moderate wildfire risk. Be aware of fire restrictions during dry months and practice safe fire practices.

Recorded Fires: 3
Largest Fire: Sheep Fence (1,203.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2004
Fire Risk: Moderate

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate, Evaporite rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 70

Watershed

Watershed: Rock Creek
Water Quality (Good): 17.808%
Impaired: 0%

Fiftymile Mountain, Kane Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Safety starts with current information. These resources cover real-time conditions near Fiftymile Mountain.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PAGE 0.2 N, AZ US (32.21 mi)