Hulsey Lake, Apache
Fishing in Arizona
Photo: Alan Rockefeller / CC BY 4.0
Near Nutrioso, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Hulsey Lake, Apache
Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.
This packing list is tailored to the Grassland environment and Unknown at Hulsey Lake.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
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First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
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Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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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.
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Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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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.
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Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
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Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.
Wildlife Gear
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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.
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Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
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Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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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
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SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.
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Extra hydration — Altitude increases respiration rate and urine output, depleting fluids faster than at sea level; carry more water than you think you need.
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Slow acclimatization advice — Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet triggers altitude sickness in many people; gaining no more than 1,000-1,500 feet of sleeping elevation per day reduces risk.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Hulsey Lake, Apache
The Grassland terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The terrain here lends itself to boating, fishing, picnicking — activities that match the Grassland environment.
Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.
Activities
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boating — Explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters by motorboat or sailboat.
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fishing — Cast a line in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters in pursuit of local fish species.
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picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
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swimming — Cool off in designated lakes, rivers, or ocean beaches during warm weather.
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walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
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wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Grassland — Grasslands are open landscapes dominated by grasses with few trees.
Wildlife Safety at Hulsey Lake, Apache
Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.
The wildlife safety profile at Hulsey Lake includes venomous snakes — here's what to know about each.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Elevated (8,674ft)
- Remote (171mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
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 Hulsey Lake, Apache
The Grassland terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The natural world around Hulsey Lake reflects its Grassland setting — Gambel Oak and Southwestern Ponderosa Pine overhead, upright prairie coneflower and Woods' rose at your feet, and wildlife throughout.
Trees (2)
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Gambel Oak — It often grows in dense thickets, spreading by underground sprouts to form large colonies. -
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures.
Wildflowers (6)
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upright prairie coneflower — Tall central cone surrounded by drooping yellow rays. -
Woods' rose — Pink five-petaled flowers with yellow centers. -
golden columbine — Bright yellow nodding flowers with long straight spurs. -
manyflowered gromwell — Clusters of small yellow tubular flowers. -
cutleaf coneflower — Tall stems with drooping yellow rays and greenish cones.
Other Plants (5)
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western blue flag
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Scarlet Gilia
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great mullein
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MacDougal verbena
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scarlet cinquefoil
Mammals (7)
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Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch. -
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump. -
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail. -
Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Chipmunk-like rodent with golden shoulders and white eye ring.
Birds (11)
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Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen -
Canada Goose — Large brown waterfowl with black neck and white chinstrap -
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly -
Mountain Bluebird — Bright sky-blue male -
Bufflehead — Small duck with large white head patch
Reptiles (5)
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Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning. -
Southwestern Fence Lizard — A medium-sized spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and dark crossbands. -
Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Amphibians (3)
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Arizona Tree Frog -
Western Tiger Salamander -
Arizona Toad
Insects (12)
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Blue Fungus Beetle -
Ridings' Satyr -
Nokomis Fritillary
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Common Ringlet -
Ruddy Copper
Fungi (6)
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lobster mushroom -
Barrow's Bolete
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Kaibab Jack -
Spring Polypore -
Floccularia albolanaripes
Other Wildlife (1)
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Speckled Dace
Nature Bingo at Hulsey Lake, Apache
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Hulsey Lake, Apache Climate & Sun
Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.
The climate at Hulsey Lake peaks for outdoor activity during Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, when temperatures average °F.
Climate type: Unknown
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0°F | 1.9 in |
| Feb | 0°F | 1.5 in |
| Mar | 0°F | 1.1 in |
| Apr | 0°F | 0.7 in |
| May | 0°F | 0.7 in |
| Jun | 0°F | 0.8 in |
| Jul | 0°F | 4.3 in |
| Aug | 0°F | 4.5 in |
| Sep | 0°F | 2.1 in |
| Oct | 0°F | 1.3 in |
| Nov | 0°F | 1.5 in |
| Dec | 0°F | 2.3 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.
Summer: 5:04 AM – 7:28 PM
Winter: 7:14 AM – 5:09 PM
Hulsey Lake, Apache Trip Planning & Access
Here's the practical side of visiting Hulsey Lake.
Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix, here's what visiting Hulsey Lake involves.
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
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)
Places Near Hulsey Lake, Apache
The area around Hulsey Lake has plenty more to offer.
The proximity of 14 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.
Nearby Trails
- Terry Flat Trail, Apache 2.53 mi
- Escudilla National Recreation Trail, Apache 2.73 mi
- Georges Lake Trail, Apache 5.55 mi
- High Road, Apache 6.32 mi
- Yahoo Trail, Apache 6.6 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Alpine Divide Cg Campground, Apache 2.74 mi
- Luna Lake Group Cg Campground, Apache 8.03 mi
- Luna Lake Campground, Apache 8.19 mi
- Diamond Rock Cg Campground, Apache 11.23 mi
- Aspen Campground, Apache 12.38 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Hulsey Lake, Apache
After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.
Under the Bortle class 2 skies at Hulsey Lake, you can expect to see 2 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
From Hulsey Lake, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.
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Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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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:
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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 Hulsey Lake, Apache
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 Hulsey Lake.
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 Hulsey Lake, Apache
Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.
For thousands of years, this land has been cared for by Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos and their ancestors.
Territories
Languages
Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Chiricahua, Shiwi’ma Bena:we.
Data from Native Land Digital
Hulsey Lake, Apache Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Hulsey Lake 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
- Oligocene to Paleocene[?] sedimentary rocks
- Formation
- Chuska Sandstone
- Lithology
- Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}
- Age
- Paleogene
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 1
- Unique Species
- 1
- Oldest
- 100.5 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 26
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Sand and Gravel, Construction, Pumice, Volcanic Materials, Zeolites, Perlite
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 106°F (2013-06-08)
- Record Low
- -32°F (1979-01-30)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 46
- Largest Fire
- Three Forks (7,742.3 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Riggs Creek-Nutrioso Creek
- Water Quality (Good)
- 18.621%
- Impaired
- 2.309%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 6 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 1 (BFRO)
- Haunted Places
- 1 (Shadowlands)
- Eeriness Score
- 45/100
Hulsey Lake, Apache 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 Hulsey Lake.
Coordinates: 33.933775, -109.161497