Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

Trails in Arizona

Trails 2,100 ft 1.86 mi moderate NAT - NATIVE MATERIAL Bortle 3 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)
Arizona's 1.86-mile Long Draw OHV Shortcut provides a moderate alternative through terrain supporting 13 mammal species and 30 birds. Year-round access in dry conditions offers decent scenery from spring through fall.

What to Pack for Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

The right gear turns potential problems into non-issues. Here's what Long Draw Ohv Shortcut demands.

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

  • 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.

Terrain Gear

  • Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
  • Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
  • Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

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

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut draws visitors for hiking, but the 7 available activities mean there's more here than most expect.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

  • hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
  • 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.
  • running — Hit scenic trails or park loops for a workout surrounded by fresh air and open space.
  • 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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

Awareness is the best safety tool at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut. Here are the wildlife considerations for this area.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (103mi from city)
UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (35N), Desert (exposed))
Photo score: 55/100
  • Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

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.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

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

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

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

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 Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

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

30 bird species have been documented near Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, alongside 13 mammals and a rich variety of native plants.

Wildflowers (2)

  • Arizona mariposa lily
    Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings.
  • Woods' rose
    Woods' rose — Pink five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.

Shrubs (2)

  • Fourwing Saltbush
    Fourwing Saltbush — A gray-green shrub with narrow leaves and papery four-winged seed bracts.
  • fernbush
    fernbush — A rounded shrub with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers.

Other Plants (5)

  • Spinystar
  • Kingcup Cactus
  • Whipple Cholla
  • western blue flag
  • Green Ephedra

Mammals (13)

  • Pronghorn
    Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings.
  • Wapiti
    Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
  • Gunnison's Prairie Dog
    Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail.
  • American Bison
    American Bison — A massive, hump-shouldered bovine with shaggy dark brown fur.
  • White-tailed Antelope Squirrel
    White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — A small desert squirrel with tan fur and white stripe along sides.

Birds (30)

  • House Sparrow
    House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
  • Great-tailed Grackle
    Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail
  • Hooded Merganser
    Hooded Merganser — Male with large white crest
  • Brewer's Sparrow
    Brewer's Sparrow — Plain gray-brown plumage
  • Black-throated Sparrow
    Black-throated Sparrow — Bold black throat patch

Reptiles (11)

  • Plateau Fence Lizard
    Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
  • Eastern Collared Lizard
    Eastern Collared Lizard — A colorful lizard with two black collar bands around the neck.
  • Common Side-blotched Lizard
    Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
  • Prairie Rattlesnake
    Prairie Rattlesnake — A tan to greenish rattlesnake with dark oval blotches along the back.
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
    Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.

Amphibians (4)

  • Northern Leopard Frog
    Northern Leopard Frog
  • Arizona Tree Frog
    Arizona Tree Frog
  • Boreal Chorus Frog
    Boreal Chorus Frog
  • Mexican Spadefoot
    Mexican Spadefoot

Insects (4)

  • Megetra vittata
  • Painted Lady
    Painted Lady
  • Convergent Lady Beetle
    Convergent Lady Beetle
  • White-lined Sphinx
    White-lined Sphinx

Fungi (1)

  • Fly Agaric
    Fly Agaric

Other Wildlife (2)

  • Diablo Mountainsnail
  • Common Desert Centipede

Nature Bingo at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The weather at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut follows a Semi-Arid pattern — here's the monthly breakdown.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 49.7°F

Annual precipitation: 17.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 49.7°F and 17.2 inches of precipitation, Long Draw Ohv Shortcut has cool, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 32°F.

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

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 32°F 1.5 in
Feb 36°F 1.4 in
Mar 41°F 1.2 in
Apr 47°F 0.5 in
May 54°F 0.6 in
Jun 64°F 0.4 in
Jul 69°F 2.7 in
Aug 67°F 3.3 in
Sep 62°F 1.6 in
Oct 51°F 1.2 in
Nov 40°F 1.2 in
Dec 33°F 1.6 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.6 hours.

Summer: 5:09 AM – 7:37 PM

Winter: 7:22 AM – 5:14 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:22 AM, Sunset 5:14 PM Golden hour from 4:35 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:09 AM, Sunset 7:37 PM Golden hour from 6:59 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:35 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:32 PM Golden hour from 5:58 PM

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Long Draw Ohv Shortcut — here's the practical information you'll need.

From Phoenix, Long Draw Ohv Shortcut is a drive covering 103 miles.

Nearest city: Phoenix (103 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $25.77 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 83.3 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and challenging for elderly visitors.

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: challenging (Moderate distance (1-2mi), Significant elevation (>200ft), Unpaved surface)
  • Strollers: not_recommended (20/100)
  • Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

Here's what else is nearby if you want to expand your itinerary beyond Long Draw Ohv Shortcut.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut sits under Bortle class 3 skies — Rural sky for stargazing in Arizona.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

From Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
  • Cepheus
    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
    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
    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
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.

  • Delta Aquariids
    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
    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 Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut.

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character and highlights.

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 Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

The 4 Indigenous groups connected to this land include Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Dilzhę́’é (South).

Data from Native Land Digital

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Long Draw Ohv Shortcut 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
1
Unique Species
1
Oldest
283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
20
Richness
Moderate
Minerals Found
Manganese, Iron, Barium-Barite, Fire Clay (Refractory), Kaolin, Clay, Silica, Sand and Gravel

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High
96°F (2005-07-12)
Record Low
-22°F (1949-01-04)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires
172
Largest Fire
Dudley (20,116.7 acres)
Most Recent
2024
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
Upper Wildcat Canyon
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports
5 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score
30/100

Long Draw Ohv Shortcut, Coconino Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check these official resources for current conditions at Long Draw Ohv Shortcut before you go.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: BLUE RIDGE RANGER STATION, AZ US (18.94 mi)

Coordinates: 34.554387, -110.866425

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Long Draw Ohv Shortcut
Arizona · 2,100 ft · Trails · 34.5544°N, -110.8664°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step (Western Diamondback,Mojave,Sidewinder)