House Rock Valley View, Coconino

Day Use Areas in Arizona

House Rock Valley View

Photo: John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA / CC BY 2.0

Day Use Areas 5,853 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
HOUSE ROCK VALLEY VIEW in Arizona features warm temperatures and low precipitation, with black bears and diverse mammals. Spring through fall are ideal for visits.

Near Fredonia, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

The conditions at House Rock Valley View call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.

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.

Climate Gear

  • Layering system (wide temp swings) — Removing a layer before you sweat keeps your clothing dry, which is critical for warmth when temperatures drop again.

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 House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

The Desert landscape around House Rock Valley View makes it well suited for photography, picnicking, walking.

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.
  • 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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

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

Wildlife Safety at House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

Wildlife safety at House Rock Valley View comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 45/10 reflects Bears present, Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (175mi from city).

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high
  • Bears present
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (175mi from city)
Altitude risk: mild
UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (37N), Elevated (5,853ft), 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 House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

Nature at House Rock Valley View includes 2 tree species, 1 wildflower, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Trees (2)

  • Southwestern Ponderosa Pine
    Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.
  • Gambel Oak
    Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.

Wildflowers (1)

  • Stansbury's Cliffrose
    Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.

Shrubs (2)

  • Roundleaf buffaloberry
    Roundleaf buffaloberry — A thorny shrub with silvery round leaves and small yellow flowers.
  • Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus
    Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Engelmann's hedgehog cactus is a low, clumping barrel cactus with cylindrical stems covered in dense radial spines. Flowers are large and showy, typically magenta to pink, blooming in late spring.

Other Plants (5)

  • Whipple Cholla
  • Spinystar
  • Kingcup Cactus
  • Utah Juniper
  • Plains Pricklypear

Mammals (5)

  • Abert's Squirrel
    Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build.
  • Mule Deer
    Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
  • Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
    Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Bushy tail and alert posture.
  • Pronghorn
    Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs.
  • White-tailed Antelope Squirrel
    White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — Slender body adapted to hot climates.

Birds (10)

  • Common Raven
    Common Raven — Heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail
  • Horned Lark
    Horned Lark — White outer tail feathers
  • California Condor
    California Condor — Bare orange head
  • Bald Eagle
    Bald Eagle — Massive hooked yellow bill
  • Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
    Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — White throat

Reptiles (9)

  • Desert Spiny Lizard
    Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long.
  • Common Side-blotched Lizard
    Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
    Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
  • Ornate Tree Lizard
    Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
  • Gopher Snake
    Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.

Insects (7)

  • Convergent Lady Beetle
    Convergent Lady Beetle
  • Hunt's Bumble Bee
    Hunt's Bumble Bee
  • Pandora Pinemoth
    Pandora Pinemoth
  • Anicia Checkerspot
    Anicia Checkerspot
  • Painted Lady
    Painted Lady

Nature Bingo at House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

House Rock Valley View, Coconino Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Expect Arid weather at House Rock Valley View, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Climate type: Arid

Annual avg temp: 54.7°F

Annual precipitation: 10.7 in

With an average annual temperature of 54.7°F and 10.7 inches of precipitation, House Rock Valley View has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 78°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.

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

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 34°F 1.1 in
Feb 39°F 1.1 in
Mar 46°F 1.0 in
Apr 52°F 0.6 in
May 61°F 0.5 in
Jun 72°F 0.3 in
Jul 78°F 0.9 in
Aug 75°F 1.4 in
Sep 68°F 1.1 in
Oct 56°F 1.2 in
Nov 43°F 0.7 in
Dec 34°F 0.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5 hours.

Summer: 5:08 AM – 7:47 PM

Winter: 7:33 AM – 5:13 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:33 AM, Sunset 5:13 PM Golden hour from 4:33 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:08 AM, Sunset 7:47 PM Golden hour from 7:09 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

House Rock Valley View, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for House Rock Valley View.

Plan for a drive from Las Vegas to reach House Rock Valley View.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (175 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $43.84 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 141.7 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))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)

Places Near House Rock Valley View, Coconino

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Extend your visit with these nearby options — 14 destinations sit within range of House Rock Valley View.

Stargazing & Night Sky at House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

Stargazing at House Rock Valley View benefits from Excellent dark-sky site darkness — Bortle class 1 on the light pollution scale.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky 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 House Rock Valley View, Coconino

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

Each season reveals a different side of House Rock Valley View, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.

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 5853ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

House Rock Valley View, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, House Rock Valley View 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
Glen Canyon Group
Formation
Navajo Sandstone; Kayenta Formation; Moenave Formation
Lithology
Major:{sandstone}, Minor:{siltstone,sandstone mudstone}
Age
Jurassic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences
8
Unique Species
7
Oldest
192.9 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
3
Richness
Low
Minerals Found
Uranium, Copper, Molybdenum, Sand and Gravel, Construction

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High
104°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low
-12°F (2007-01-14)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires
24
Largest Fire
Warm Wfu (19,514.7 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
Extreme

Watershed

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

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports
1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score
8/100

House Rock Valley View, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Conditions change quickly outdoors. These links provide current data for the area around House Rock Valley View.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: MARBLE CANYON 3.7 SW, AZ US (20.81 mi)

Coordinates: 36.722866, -112.06023

Packing List Safety Guide ↑ Top
House Rock Valley View
Arizona · 5,853 ft · Day Use Areas · 36.7229°N, -112.0602°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Fredonia, AZ

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

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step ()