Photo: Brienne Magee; Coconino National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 7,913 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Kendrick Cabin offers groups of up to 10 people the chance to experience spectacular mountain views, numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, and several cultural and historic attractions of the Southwest region. The rustic, three-bedroom masonry and wood cabin is a retired U.S. Forest Service fire guard station constructed in the 1960s. It lies just minutes from downtown Flagstaff and about an hour from the world-famous Grand Canyon National Park. Kendrick Cabin is located approximately 22 miles north of Flagstaff. The site is open from mid-April to mid-November. There is no electricity available and running water is provided only during peak season. All roads are suitable for a sedan except during winter months. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation The Flagstaff area is a hub for hiking and mountain biking in warmer months and skiing in the winter. Dozens of trails are within a short drive of the cabin, including the scenic Kendrick Mountain Trail and several trails on the San Francisco Peaks. Bikes and off-road vehicles are allowed only on designated roads and trails. Families and photographers can enjoy a morning or evening walk along the Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail, which is adjacent to the cabin. Hunting is also available in many nearby areas within the Coconino national forest. Facilities The multiple-room, two-story cabin is equipped with a solar lighting system, propane stovetop range, small refrigerator, dining area with a table and chairs, and a wood stove. Furniture includes two futon couches in livingroom, one double bed in the downstairs bedroom and two twin beds in each of the two upstairs bedrooms. Kitchen supplies include pots, pans, utensils, dishes, a coffee pot and can opener. A grill, campfire ring, picnic table and bathhouse with a flush toilet and shower are located outside, not far from the cabin. The cabin has an accessible ramp to the front porch, providing wheelchair access to the main floor of the house and one bedroom. The bath house and the path from the house to the bathhouse is not wheelchair accessible. The cabin provides running water from mid-May to mid-October; at other times, users must bring potable water. After October 15th the bathhouse will be closed and visitors must use the vault toilet outside. Due to higher elevation (8,200'), the water may be turned off by October 1st , if early season freezing occurs. Please call the Forest Service to confirm potable water availability. The cabin now has a solar lighting system in the main house. The bath house solar light is a dial switch that times out automatically. Please ensure all lights are turned off upon departure. Guests must bring their own bedding (or sleeping bags) for one double bed, two queen futons and four single beds, as well as flashlights, towels, garbage bags, warm clothes, dish soap, dish towels, an axe or saw for splitting wood, and matches and newspaper for starting fires in the wood stove. There are two picnic tables outside. Natural Features The cabin is located at an elevation of 7,910 feet, in the scenic Kendrick Park area at the base of the 12,000-ft. San Francisco Peaks, the remains of an old volcano. From the facility, visitors have wonderful views of the peaks, Kendrick Mountain and the surrounding forest, as well as the night sky on clear nights. The area is home to elk, deer, antelope, fox, coyotes, mountain lions, numerous birds and other animals. Nearby Attractions The nearby city of Flagstaff is a popular stop along historic U.S. Route 66 and offers plenty of restaurants, museums, shops and an astronomical observatory. Guests can also drive 58 miles to the Grand Canyon National Park's scenic South Rim.

Near Bellemont, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

This packing list is tailored to the Grassland environment and Temperate at Kendrick Cabin.

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

Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.

Terrain Gear

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 Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

The terrain here lends itself to birdwatching, camping, cross country skiing — 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

birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
cross_country_skiing — Glide across snowy fields and forest trails using narrow skis and poles.
glamping — Enjoy nature with upgraded comforts like furnished tents or cabins.
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.
mountain_biking — Ride off-road trails that wind through forests, deserts, and mountain terrain.
off_roading — Navigate rugged trails and backcountry routes with high-clearance vehicles.
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.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
skiing — Glide downhill on groomed slopes or natural snow-covered terrain.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
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: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Grassland — Grasslands are open landscapes dominated by grasses with few trees.

Wildlife Safety at Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

The wildlife safety profile at Kendrick Cabin 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 (138mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: high (Mid latitude (35N), Elevated (7,913ft))

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 Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

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 Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

The natural world around Kendrick Cabin reflects its Grassland setting — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak overhead, Arizona mariposa lily and Stansbury's Cliffrose at your feet, and wildlife throughout.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.
Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
white fir — The species tolerates shade and often grows beneath taller conifers.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail.
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body.
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Gray Buckeye
Carolina Grasshopper
White-lined Sphinx
Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino Climate & Sun

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

The climate at Kendrick Cabin peaks for outdoor activity during Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, when temperatures average °F.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 45.8°F

Annual precipitation: 22.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 45.8°F and 22.2 inches of precipitation, Kendrick Cabin has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 65°F, while winter lows drop to 30°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Feb, Dec.

Winter 30°

2.4"

Spring 42°

1.0"

Summer 65°

2.7"

Fall 47°

1.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	30°F	2.4 in
Feb	32°F	2.1 in
Mar	37°F	1.8 in
Apr	42°F	1.0 in
May	50°F	0.9 in
Jun	60°F	0.4 in
Jul	65°F	2.7 in
Aug	63°F	3.8 in
Sep	57°F	2.0 in
Oct	47°F	1.8 in
Nov	38°F	1.3 in
Dec	30°F	2.0 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:42 PM

Winter: 7:28 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:28 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:36 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:42 PM Golden hour from 7:05 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:39 AM, Sunset 6:33 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:08 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:02 PM

Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Kendrick Cabin.

Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix, here's what visiting Kendrick Cabin involves.

Nearest city: Phoenix (138 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $34.43 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 111.3 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)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

The area around Kendrick Cabin has plenty more to offer.

The proximity of 15 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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

Under the Bortle class 2 skies at Kendrick Cabin, you can expect to see 3 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

From Kendrick Cabin, 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 Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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 Kendrick Cabin.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 7913ft 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 Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino

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 Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai) and their ancestors.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Dilzhę́’é (North), Havasupai, Hopilavayi.

Data from Native Land Digital

Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Kendrick Cabin 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: 39
Unique Species: 37
Oldest: 274.4 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 15
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Uranium, Perlite

Endangered Species

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

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 58
Largest Fire: Hochderffer (17,471.6 acres)
Most Recent: 9999
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

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

Watershed

Watershed: Rimmy Jim Tank
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Kendrick Cabin Campground, Coconino 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 Kendrick Cabin.

Nearest weather station: FLAGSTAFF 14 N, AZ US (2.72 mi)