Photo: Patty Ringle; Coconino National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 8,349 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Little Elden Springs Horse Camp is a campground that was created for those who love horses and enjoy riding in a beautiful landscape. Located in the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, the campground offers opportunities for horseback riding, hiking and wildlife viewing. The facility is very accommodating to campers and their horses and including hitching posts, plenty of space for horse trailers and access to over 30 miles of trails. Recreation Campers can access the Kachina Peaks Wilderness at the Weatherford Trail near Schultz Tank just up the road from the campground. The Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System is also accessible right from camp and is comprised of over 30 miles of trails for all levels of horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Some of the nearby trails offer amazing views of the peaks, especially during the changing of the leaves in the fall when the aspens turn from green to gold. Facilities This campground is only available to campers with horses, and has been designed for the particular needs of equestrian campers. All 15 campsites allow easy access for vehicles pulling horse trailers and are equipped with horse-friendly accommodations. Two hitching posts are provided per site, and extra parking is available. Manure removal is the responsibility of the owners. The restroom is accessible, though there are no accessible sites. Stalls or corrals are not provided. Natural Features The campground lies near the base of Mount Elden in a lush ponderosa pine and gamble oak forest and has a view of the 12,000-ft. San Francisco Peaks. Fall foliage can be outstanding and very inviting for photography. There is a healthy population of mule deer and elk in the area that can be fun to watch and photograph when sighted. Summers are very pleasant with sunny skies, high temperatures in the 60s to 80s and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 774-9671. Nearby Attractions The nearby town of Flagstaff, Arizona, has shopping, restaurants and other conveniences. Visitors can also make a quick trip down the road to the must-see Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument .

Near Flagstaff, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

Pack for Forest terrain, Temperate, and the wildlife considerations above.

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.
Extra hydration — Altitude increases respiration rate and urine output, depleting fluids faster than at sea level; carry more water than you think you need.
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 Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

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

Whether you're here for backpacking or looking to try something different, Little Elden Springs Horsecamp has options.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
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.
horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
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.
skiing — Glide downhill on groomed slopes or natural snow-covered terrain.
soaking — Relax in natural hot springs or designated soaking pools surrounded by scenic views.
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: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Forest — Forests are dominated by dense tree cover, layered canopies, and shaded understories. Ground conditions vary from leaf litter to mossy soils, with limited visibility off trail.

Wildlife Safety at Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

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

Most visitors at Little Elden Springs Horsecamp never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 50/10 means preparation matters.

Danger rating: 50/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Elevated (8,349ft)
Remote (129mi from city)

Altitude risk: moderate

UV risk: high (Mid latitude (35N), High elevation (8,349ft), Forest canopy (shade))

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 Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

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

The Forest environment here supports 43 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Trees (3)

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.
white fir — Cones stand upright on upper branches and break apart at maturity.

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 Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, 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

Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino Climate & Sun

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

The annual average temperature here is 46.7°F, with 20.7 inches of precipitation.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 46.7°F

Annual precipitation: 20.7 in

With an average annual temperature of 46.7°F and 20.7 inches of precipitation, Little Elden Springs Horsecamp has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 67°F, while winter lows drop to 30°F.

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

Winter 30°

2.0"

Spring 44°

1.0"

Summer 67°

2.6"

Fall 48°

1.6"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	30°F	2.0 in
Feb	32°F	1.9 in
Mar	38°F	1.6 in
Apr	44°F	1.0 in
May	52°F	0.8 in
Jun	62°F	0.4 in
Jul	67°F	2.6 in
Aug	64°F	3.8 in
Sep	58°F	1.9 in
Oct	48°F	1.6 in
Nov	38°F	1.3 in
Dec	30°F	1.8 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 – 7:41 PM

Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:27 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:36 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:41 PM Golden hour from 7:04 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:38 AM, Sunset 6:33 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:08 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Little Elden Springs Horsecamp.

Little Elden Springs Horsecamp is 129 miles from Phoenix — here's what to budget for the trip.

Nearest city: Phoenix (129 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $32.28 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 104.3 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 Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

The area around Little Elden Springs Horsecamp has plenty more to offer.

If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Little Elden Springs Horsecamp.

Nearby Trails

Heart Trail, Coconino 0.72 mi
Horse Camp Access Trail, Coconino 0.75 mi
Deer Hill Trail, Coconino 0.75 mi
Down Under Trail, Coconino 1.79 mi
Sandy Seep Trail, Coconino 2.11 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Little Elden Spring Campground, Coconino 0.83 mi
Lockett Meadow Campground, Coconino 6.2 mi
Oleary Group Site, Coconino 6.81 mi
Bonito Campground (az), Coconino 7.13 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

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

On clear nights, the Bortle class 2 skies above Little Elden Springs Horsecamp reveal constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

From Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, 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 Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Timing your visit to Little Elden Springs Horsecamp around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you experience.

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 8349ft 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 Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai).

Territories

Languages

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

Data from Native Land Digital

Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Little Elden Springs Horsecamp 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: Permian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Kaibab Formation; Toroweap Formation; Coconino Sandstone
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,limestone}, Minor:{chert}
Age: Permian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 187
Unique Species: 108
Oldest: 382.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 96
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Limestone, General, Perlite, Uranium

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 102°F (2021-07-11)
Record Low: -37°F (1963-01-12)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 171
Largest Fire: Pipeline (26,532.4 acres)
Most Recent: 9999
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a humid climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Lower Rio de Flag
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 38 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 5 (BFRO)
Haunted Places: 8 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 100/100

Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, Coconino Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Before visiting Little Elden Springs Horsecamp, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.

Nearest weather station: FLAGSTAFF 7.7 NE, AZ US (2.31 mi)