Parks 6,013 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

Countless biological, historical and archeological treasures await you in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. Deep canyons, mountains and lonely buttes testify to the power of geological forces and provide colorful vistas. The monument encompasses the lower portion of the Shivwits Plateau, an important watershed for the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Vegetation in the monument ranges from Mojave Desert flora to ponderosa pine forest. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, wild turkey, and four species of rattlesnakes are among the monument’s wildlife. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service (NPS). Covering more than one million acres, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is a scientific treasure. Its deep canyons, mountains, and lonely buttes testify to the power of geological forces and provide colorful vistas. The monument's landscape, relatively underformed and unobscured by vegetation, offers a clear view for understanding the Colorado Plateau’s geologic history. Geologic, geographic, and biological transitions give rise to the monument’s astonishing ecological diversity . Two geologic provinces meet here (the Basin and Range and the Colorado Plateau) along with two ecoregions (the Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau). The information found here is not meant to replace a visit to the interagency Public Lands Information Center . Visit the information center to purchase a copy of the Arizona Strip Visitor Map and obtain current, detailed information about road conditions, routes and weather forecasts. Activities Scenic four-wheel-drive travel, hiking , horseback riding, camping , wildlife and plant viewing, birdwatching, hunting, archeological and historic sites, and geologic sightseeing are popular activities in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. When the sun goes down, the night show begins. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument has been designated as the Parashant International Night Sky Province for its pristine and breathtaking night skies. That means it is one of the best places in the world to see the stars and planets. Bring a telescope or just open your eyes to see the universe. Safety and Conditions Before you explore this magnificent and unique national monument, take some time to really plan your visit and make certain you are prepared with the proper equipment, maps and knowledge of the region. You will need to plan for potential hazards such as unmarked rugged roads, venomous animals, extreme heat, and flash floods. Bring plenty of water, food, extra gasoline, and at least two spare tires. We recommend high-clearance vehicles. Road conditions vary based on weather conditions. Call ahead before coming to the monument. Obtain a map at the interagency Public Lands Center in St. George, Utah. Always carry extra water, food, matches or lighter, a signal mirror and foul weather gear. Technology can make backcountry travel more comfortable, but be aware that cell phones, radios and GPS units may not work in many areas. Instead, make sure you have a detailed map to find your way. Conditions change seasonally and often suddenly. This is a beautiful but unforgiving landscape. You may encounter unexpected snowstorms, flash floods, lightning storms, impassable roads, extreme heat or cold, dried-up water sources and high water from floods or runoff. There is no first aid station on site. The nearest hospital is in St. George, Utah. There are no services on site. The nearest food and supplies are in St. George, Utah

Near Littlefield, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, here's what to bring.

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.

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.
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 Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

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

Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument supports 17 outdoor activities, with backpacking being the most popular draw.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
cross_country_skiing — Glide across snowy fields and forest trails using narrow skis and poles.
hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
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.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
scuba_diving — Explore underwater environments in oceans, lakes, or springs using scuba gear.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
skiing — Glide downhill on groomed slopes or natural snow-covered terrain.
snorkeling — Swim at the surface with a mask and snorkel to observe marine life below.
snowshoeing — Traverse snowy trails using wide snowshoes that distribute weight over soft terrain.
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 Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

With a danger score of 40/10, Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.

Danger rating: 40/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (85mi)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (6,013ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
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.

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

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 Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

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

Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument sits within a Desert ecosystem home to 2 documented mammal species and 6 bird species.

Wildflowers (1)

Las Vegas Bearpoppy — Large white crinkled petals with bright yellow centers.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Eastern Joshua tree — The trunk becomes thick and fibrous with age.

Other Plants (5)

Buckhorn Cholla
Echinocereus bakeri
California Barrel Cactus
Beavertail Pricklypear
Mojave Yucca

Mammals (2)

Coyote — A medium-sized canid with gray-brown fur and bushy tail tipped in black.
Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings.

Birds (6)

Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
American Kestrel — Rusty back
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen

Reptiles (3)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake — A medium rattlesnake with speckled gray or pink coloration.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (4)

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

Insects (1)

Western Honey Bee

Nature Bingo at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Coyote (mammal)
Common Side-blotched Lizard (reptile)
Relict Leopard Frog (amphibian)
Eastern Joshua tree (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The climate at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument averages 53.3°F annually, with Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 53.3°F

Annual precipitation: 14 in

With an average annual temperature of 53.3°F and 14 inches of precipitation, Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 75°F, while winter lows drop to 35°F.

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

Winter 35°

1.3"

Spring 49°

0.7"

Summer 75°

1.9"

Fall 55°

1.1"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	35°F	1.3 in
Feb	37°F	1.5 in
Mar	43°F	1.5 in
Apr	49°F	0.7 in
May	58°F	0.5 in
Jun	69°F	0.3 in
Jul	75°F	1.9 in
Aug	73°F	1.8 in
Sep	67°F	1.3 in
Oct	55°F	1.1 in
Nov	44°F	0.8 in
Dec	35°F	1.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.

Summer: 4:15 AM – 6:53 PM

Winter: 6:38 AM – 4:20 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:38 AM, Sunset 4:20 PM Golden hour from 3:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:15 AM, Sunset 6:53 PM Golden hour from 6:15 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:47 AM, Sunset 5:41 PM Golden hour from 5:07 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:15 AM, Sunset 5:43 PM Golden hour from 5:09 PM

Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument — here's the practical information you'll need.

The nearest major city to Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument is Las Vegas, about 85 miles away.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (85 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $21.21 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 68.5 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: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

There are 5 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument.

Nearby Trails

Mount Dellenbaugh Summit Trail, Mohave 18.25 mi

Nearby Attractions

Grand Gulch Mine, Grand Canyon-parashant NM 8.99 mi
Grand Gulch Mining, Mohave 9.14 mi
Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness, Grand Canyon-parashant NM 13.23 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

The skies above Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument register a Bortle class 3, making this a Rural sky location for stargazing.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

From Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, 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 Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument.

The seasons shape the experience at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument — here's what each one brings.

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 6013ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument 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: 30
Unique Species: 19
Oldest: 323.4 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 6
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Copper, Corundum, Kyanite, Vanadium, Lead, Zinc, Gold, Silver

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 2772
ESA Endangered: 56
ESA Threatened: 32
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 105°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low: -3°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 49
Largest Fire: TWEEDY COM (35,639.5 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Upper Hidden Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument, Mohave Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check current conditions at Grand Canyon - Parashant National Monument before heading out using these official sources.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: MEADVIEW 3.8 S, AZ US (37.68 mi)