Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
Campgrounds in Arizona
Photo: Stuart Bechman / CC BY-SA 4.0
Near Pinedale, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.
The conditions at Lewis Canyon call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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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.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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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.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Terrain Gear
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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 Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The Forest landscape around Lewis Canyon makes it well suited for atv, camping, hiking.
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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atv — Protective gear and adherence to regulations are important.
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camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
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hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
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horseback_riding — Guided rides are available in many parks and recreation areas.
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ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
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ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
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off_roading — Stay on designated routes to protect fragile terrain.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
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sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
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stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.
Wildlife Safety at Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.
Wildlife safety at Lewis Canyon comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 30/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (120mi from city).
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (120mi from city)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.
- 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 Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Nature at Lewis Canyon includes 2 tree species, 5 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Trees (2)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips. -
Gambel Oak — The bark is gray and furrowed, while acorns develop singly or in small clusters.
Wildflowers (5)
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Woods' rose — Red rose hips forming after flowering. -
Yellow Sweetclover — Slender racemes of bright yellow pea-like blossoms. -
alpine cancer-root — It lacks chlorophyll and depends on host roots. -
pinewoods geranium — It thrives in open pine forests and sandy soils. -
woodland pinedrops — This species relies on mycorrhizal fungi connected to tree roots for nutrients, making it a parasitic plant of forest ecosystems.
Other Plants (5)
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great mullein
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Scarlet Gilia
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western blue flag
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alligator juniper
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Spinystar
Mammals (6)
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Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Bushy tail and alert posture. -
American Black Bear — Adults typically weigh 150–600 pounds depending on region and sex. -
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam. -
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
Birds (30)
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Great-tailed Grackle — Iridescent sheen -
Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks -
Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage -
Gadwall — White wing patch visible in flight -
Mallard — Domestic-derived color morphs in urban parks
Reptiles (5)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long. -
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Typically grows 18–36 inches long with a narrow head and round pupils. -
Madrean Alligator Lizard — Often 8–12 inches long including tail. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Amphibians (3)
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Arizona Tree Frog -
Boreal Chorus Frog -
American Bullfrog
Insects (15)
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Springwater Dancer -
Plains Forktail -
Arizona Snaketail -
Flame Skimmer -
Common Whitetail
Fungi (3)
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Fly Agaric -
lobster mushroom -
Spring Polypore
Other Wildlife (1)
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Virile Crayfish
Nature Bingo at Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo Climate & Sun
Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.
Expect Semi-Arid weather at Lewis Canyon, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 50.9°F
Annual precipitation: 16.6 in
With an average annual temperature of 50.9°F and 16.6 inches of precipitation, Lewis Canyon has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 1.4 in |
| Feb | 37°F | 1.0 in |
| Mar | 42°F | 1.3 in |
| Apr | 48°F | 0.5 in |
| May | 56°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 66°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 70°F | 2.2 in |
| Aug | 69°F | 3.1 in |
| Sep | 63°F | 1.8 in |
| Oct | 52°F | 1.4 in |
| Nov | 42°F | 1.3 in |
| Dec | 33°F | 1.8 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: 5:08 AM – 7:33 PM
Winter: 7:19 AM – 5:12 PM
Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo Trip Planning & Access
Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Lewis Canyon.
Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Lewis Canyon.
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 (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Campground Details
- Reservable
Places Near Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.
Extend your visit with these nearby options — 12 destinations sit within range of Lewis Canyon.
Nearby Trails
- Juniper Ridge Shortcut, Navajo 0.72 mi
- Juniper Ridge, Navajo 0.97 mi
- General Crook Connector, Navajo 2.39 mi
- Ghost of the Coyote Trail, Navajo 3.04 mi
- Lookout Connector, Navajo 3.04 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.
Stargazing at Lewis Canyon benefits from Rural sky darkness — Bortle class 3 on the light pollution scale.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
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.
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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.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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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:
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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 Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.
Each season reveals a different side of Lewis Canyon, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.
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 Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo
The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.
The land around Lewis Canyon has been home to Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) for thousands of years.
Territories
Data from Native Land Digital
Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Lewis Canyon 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
- Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits
- Lithology
- Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}, Minor:{mudstone,siltstone,limestone,gypsum}
- Age
- Cenozoic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 5
- Unique Species
- 5
- Oldest
- 283.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 12
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Sand and Gravel, Construction, Manganese, Fire Clay (Refractory), Kaolin, Brick Clay, Stone, Crushed/Broken
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 101°F (1995-07-29)
- Record Low
- -29°F (1937-01-23)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 34
- Largest Fire
- Rodeo-Chediski (460,563 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Caves & Karst Features
- Feature Types
- evaporite_basin
- Karst Score
- 30
Watershed
- Watershed
- Upper Day Wash
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 7 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 1 (BFRO)
- Eeriness Score
- 32/100
Lewis Canyon Campground, Navajo 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 Lewis Canyon.
Coordinates: 34.286111, -110.240278