Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

Day Use Areas in Arizona

Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo

Photo: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

Day Use Areas 6,496 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
The Nixon Sawmill was built in 1872 to provide lumber for construction of the Mormon Temple in St. George. The Uinkaret Pueblo site is near the sawmill site. This site was once a lively, domestic setting with food storage and a cooking area.

Near Supai, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

Preparation for Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo 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

  • Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
  • Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
  • Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
  • 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 Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

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

With 5 activities available, Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo works for both quick day trips and longer stays.

The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

  • 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.
  • sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
  • 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: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Safety at Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo involves knowing about 2 potential wildlife hazards in the area.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high
  • Bears present
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (112mi from city)
Altitude risk: mild
UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (6,496ft), Desert (exposed))
Photo score: 65/100
  • Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .

Black Bear

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

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

  • 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 Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

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

This Desert habitat supports 6 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 11 reptile species.

Wildflowers (1)

  • Crimson Monkeyflower
    Crimson Monkeyflower — Showy blooms in rocky streamside habitats.

Shrubs (5)

  • Creosote Bush
    Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
  • Brittlebush
    Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
  • Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus
    Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Ribbed stems grow close to the ground and may form tight clusters over time. Spines range from straw-colored to reddish brown, offering protection from herbivores.

Other Plants (5)

  • California Barrel Cactus
  • ocotillo
  • Echinocereus canyonensis
  • Utah Agave
  • Plains Pricklypear

Mammals (6)

  • Bighorn Sheep
    Bighorn Sheep — Sure-footed build adapted to steep cliffs.
  • Mule Deer
    Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
  • Rock Squirrel
    Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.
  • Wapiti
    Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
  • Desert Cottontail
    Desert Cottontail — Long hind legs for rapid escape.

Birds (30)

  • Red-winged Blackbird
    Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
  • Rock Pigeon
    Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck
  • Gambel's Quail
    Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume
  • Mourning Dove
    Mourning Dove — Long pointed tail with white edges
  • White-crowned Sparrow
    White-crowned Sparrow — Gray breast and pink bill

Reptiles (11)

  • Common Side-blotched Lizard
    Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
  • Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
    Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake — Typically 2–3 feet long.
  • Gopher Snake
    Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.
  • Desert Spiny Lizard
    Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long.
  • Western Whiptail
    Western Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long including the tail.

Amphibians (2)

  • Red-spotted Toad
    Red-spotted Toad
  • Woodhouse's Toad
    Woodhouse's Toad

Insects (12)

  • Thistledown Velvet Ant
    Thistledown Velvet Ant
  • Master Blister Beetle
    Master Blister Beetle
  • Southwestern Tent Caterpillar Moth
    Southwestern Tent Caterpillar Moth
  • Obscure Darkling Beetle
  • Western Honey Bee
    Western Honey Bee

Other Wildlife (3)

  • Arizona Bark Scorpion
  • Desert Tarantula
  • Swift Woodlouse

Nature Bingo at Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave 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: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Avoid unless prepared for .

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 49.9°F

Annual precipitation: 17.5 in

With an average annual temperature of 49.9°F and 17.5 inches of precipitation, Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo has cool, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 71°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.

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

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 33°F 1.5 in
Feb 35°F 1.7 in
Mar 40°F 1.7 in
Apr 46°F 1.3 in
May 54°F 0.6 in
Jun 65°F 0.4 in
Jul 71°F 3.1 in
Aug 69°F 2.1 in
Sep 62°F 1.6 in
Oct 51°F 1.3 in
Nov 41°F 0.9 in
Dec 33°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: 4:13 AM – 6:51 PM

Winter: 6:36 AM – 4:18 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:36 AM, Sunset 4:18 PM Golden hour from 3:38 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:13 AM, Sunset 6:51 PM Golden hour from 6:13 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:45 AM, Sunset 5:39 PM Golden hour from 5:05 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 5:41 PM Golden hour from 5:07 PM

Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo.

Las Vegas is the nearest hub at 112 miles — here's the trip breakdown.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (112 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $27.92 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 90.2 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

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: Perfect for beginners (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20), Good information available (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)

Places Near Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.

Nearby Campgrounds

Stargazing & Night Sky at Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

The dark sky quality at Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo (Bortle 2) places it among the darkest stargazing spots in the area.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
  • Cassiopeia
    Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings.
  • Cepheus
    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
    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
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.

  • Delta Aquariids
    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
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    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 Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

The seasonal rhythm at Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo shapes what you'll see on the trail, in the sky, and across the landscape.

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 6496ft 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 Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo lies within the ancestral lands of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Southern Paiute.

Data from Native Land Digital

Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo 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
97
Unique Species
46
Oldest
504.5 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
7
Richness
Moderate
Minerals Found
Volcanic Materials, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Pumice, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Quartz

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
1478
ESA Endangered
29
ESA Threatened
16
Conservation Score
100/100

Temperature Records

Record High
108°F (2005-07-17)
Record Low
-15°F (1997-01-18)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires
33
Largest Fire
Mount Emma (4,419.3 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types
Volcanic rocks with potential for pseudokarst features
Karst Score
30

Watershed

Watershed
Potato Valley
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo, Mohave Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Official condition reports for Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: PIPE SPRING NATIONAL MONUMENT, AZ US (39.88 mi)

Coordinates: 36.392093, -113.15385

Packing List Safety Guide ↑ Top
Historic Sawmill and Uinkaret Pueblo
Arizona · 6,496 ft · Day Use Areas · 36.3921°N, -113.1538°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Supai, AZ

Bear country — Store food properly, carry bear spray (Black Bear)

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step ()