Photo: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

Parks 7,746 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

This site is in Arizona. The Mount Trumbull Wilderness (7,880 acres) in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1984, the Mount Trumbull Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964 . In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply. Leave No Trace principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations. Some lands around the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

Near Supai, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

The conditions at Mount Trumbull Wilderness call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
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 Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

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

The Desert landscape around Mount Trumbull Wilderness makes it well suited for atv, backpacking, hiking.

The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

atv — Protective gear and adherence to regulations are important.
backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
mountain_biking — Helmets and trail awareness are essential for safety.
off_roading — Stay on designated routes to protect fragile terrain.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
surfing — Check local wave and tide conditions before heading out.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Wildlife safety at Mount Trumbull Wilderness comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 45/10 reflects Bears present, Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (113mi from city).

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (113mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (7,746ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .

Black Bear

Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.

Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.

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

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

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 Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

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

Nature at Mount Trumbull Wilderness includes 0 tree species, 1 wildflower, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Wildflowers (1)

Crimson Monkeyflower — Showy blooms in rocky streamside habitats.

Shrubs (5)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Adapted to desert heat, this cactus stores water in thick stems and tolerates prolonged drought.

Other Plants (5)

California Barrel Cactus
ocotillo
Echinocereus canyonensis
Utah Agave
Plains Pricklypear

Mammals (6)

Bighorn Sheep — Sure-footed build adapted to steep cliffs.
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
Desert Cottontail — Long hind legs for rapid escape.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck
Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume
Mourning Dove — Long pointed tail with white edges
White-crowned Sparrow — Gray breast and pink bill

Reptiles (11)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake — Typically 2–3 feet long.
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.
Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long.
Western Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long including the tail.

Amphibians (2)

Red-spotted Toad
Woodhouse's Toad

Insects (12)

Thistledown Velvet Ant
Master Blister Beetle
Southwestern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Obscure Darkling Beetle
Western Honey Bee

Other Wildlife (3)

Arizona Bark Scorpion
Desert Tarantula
Swift Woodlouse

Nature Bingo at Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Bighorn Sheep (mammal)
Common Side-blotched Lizard (reptile)
Red-spotted Toad (amphibian)
California Barrel Cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Expect Semi-Arid weather at Mount Trumbull Wilderness, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

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, Mount Trumbull Wilderness has cool, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.

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

Winter 33°

1.5"

Spring 45°

1.2"

Summer 70°

3.0"

Fall 51°

1.3"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	33°F	1.5 in
Feb	35°F	1.7 in
Mar	40°F	1.6 in
Apr	45°F	1.2 in
May	54°F	0.6 in
Jun	65°F	0.4 in
Jul	70°F	3.0 in
Aug	69°F	2.0 in
Sep	62°F	1.6 in
Oct	51°F	1.3 in
Nov	41°F	0.9 in
Dec	33°F	1.4 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.

Summer: 4:13 AM – 6:51 PM

Winter: 6:36 AM – 4:18 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:36 AM, Sunset 4:18 PM Golden hour from 3:38 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:13 AM, Sunset 6:51 PM Golden hour from 6:13 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:45 AM, Sunset 5:39 PM Golden hour from 5:05 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 5:41 PM Golden hour from 5:07 PM

Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Mount Trumbull Wilderness.

Plan for a drive from Las Vegas to reach Mount Trumbull Wilderness.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (113 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $28.26 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 91.3 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

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: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Extend your visit with these nearby options — 7 destinations sit within range of Mount Trumbull Wilderness.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Tuweep Campground, Mohave 12.97 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

Stargazing at Mount Trumbull Wilderness benefits from Typical truly dark site darkness — Bortle class 2 on the light pollution scale.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings.
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.

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.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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:

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 Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

Each season reveals a different side of Mount Trumbull Wilderness, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 7746ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Mount Trumbull Wilderness 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: 97
Unique Species: 46
Oldest: 504.5 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 7
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Volcanic Materials, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Pumice, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Quartz

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 108°F (2005-07-17)
Record Low: -15°F (1997-01-18)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 33
Largest Fire: Mount Emma (4,419.3 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

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

Watershed

Watershed: Potato Valley
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Mohave 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 Mount Trumbull Wilderness.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PIPE SPRING NATIONAL MONUMENT, AZ US (38.49 mi)