Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
Campgrounds in Arizona
Photo: Jarek Tuszyński / CC BY 4.0
Part of Navajo National Monument
Near Shonto, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.
The conditions at Sunset View Campground 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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Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
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Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
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Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
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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.
Climate Gear
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Insulated layers — Layering lets you regulate temperature as conditions change, preventing the sweat buildup that causes chills later.
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Hand warmers — Beyond comfort, hand warmers can help treat mild hypothermia by warming blood flowing through the extremities.
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Thermos — A thermos also works in reverse: cold water stays cold in summer heat, encouraging steady hydration.
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — Removing a layer before you sweat keeps your clothing dry, which is critical for warmth when temperatures drop again.
Terrain Gear
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Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
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Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
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PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
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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 Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The Forest landscape around Sunset View Campground makes it well suited for camping, picnicking, stargazing.
The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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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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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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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 Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.
Wildlife safety at Sunset View Campground comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 45/10 reflects Bears present, Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (239mi from city).
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (239mi from city)
- 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 .
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
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 Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Nature at Sunset View Campground includes 2 tree species, 5 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Trees (2)
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Frémont Cottonwood — Frémont cottonwood is a fast-growing riparian tree with broad triangular leaves. -
single-leaf ash — Single-leaf ash is a small desert tree with simple oval leaves rather than compound foliage.
Wildflowers (5)
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Eastwood's monkeyflower — Compact perennial in rocky habitats.
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Smallflower Fishhook Cactus — Low-growing barrel shape covered in dense spines. -
Sego Lily — Slender stems rising from narrow grass-like leaves. -
cardinal flower — Brilliant scarlet blooms arranged along a single stalk. -
firecracker penstemon — Firecracker penstemon bears tubular bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Shrubs (1)
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Roundleaf buffaloberry — A thorny shrub with silvery round leaves and small yellow flowers.
Other Plants (5)
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Sacred Datura
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black maidenhair fern
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gilia beardtongue
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Scarlet Gilia
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Tamarisks
Mammals (4)
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Bighorn Sheep — Sure-footed build adapted to steep cliffs. -
American Beaver — Stocky body adapted for swimming. -
Black-tailed Jackrabbit — Lean body built for speed. -
North American Porcupine — Short legs and blunt snout.
Birds (30)
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Bushtit — Soft fluffy plumage -
Wild Turkey — Paler Rio Grande subspecies in the West -
Common Raven — Heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail -
Juniper Titmouse — Dark eye -
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — White throat
Reptiles (10)
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Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail. -
Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long. -
Western Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long including the tail. -
Western Rattlesnake — Typically 2–4 feet long.
Amphibians (4)
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Northern Leopard Frog -
Canyon Tree Frog -
Woodhouse's Toad -
Red-spotted Toad
Insects (8)
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Shining Leaf Chafer Beetle -
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp -
White-lined Sphinx -
Hoary Comma -
Great Basin Wood-Nymph
Fungi (1)
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hoary cobblestone lichen
Other Wildlife (10)
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Channel Catfish
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Bluegill
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European Carp
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Striped Bass
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Arizona Bark Scorpion
Nature Bingo at Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument Climate & Sun
Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.
Expect Continental weather at Sunset View Campground, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Climate type: Continental
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 0.8 in |
| Feb | 34°F | 1.1 in |
| Mar | 42°F | 0.8 in |
| Apr | 49°F | 0.4 in |
| May | 57°F | 0.8 in |
| Jun | 70°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 73°F | 1.5 in |
| Aug | 71°F | 1.3 in |
| Sep | 64°F | 1.1 in |
| Oct | 53°F | 1.2 in |
| Nov | 42°F | 0.5 in |
| Dec | 31°F | 1.4 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5 hours.
Summer: 5:02 AM – 7:41 PM
Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:07 PM
Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument Trip Planning & Access
Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Sunset View Campground.
Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Sunset View Campground.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent (Has restrooms)
- 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
- Water
- Restrooms
Places Near Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.
Extend your visit with these nearby options — 8 destinations sit within range of Sunset View Campground.
Nearby Trails
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.
Stargazing at Sunset View Campground benefits from Excellent dark-sky site darkness — Bortle class 1 on the light pollution scale.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, 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. -
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.
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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 Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.
Each season reveals a different side of Sunset View Campground, 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 7355ft 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 Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument
The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.
The land around Sunset View Campground has been home to Diné Bikéyah, Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Hopitutskwa for thousands of years.
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Hopilavayi, Diné Bizaad.
Data from Native Land Digital
Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Sunset View Campground 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
- Glen Canyon Group
- Formation
- Navajo Sandstone; Kayenta Formation; Moenave Formation
- Lithology
- Major:{sandstone}, Minor:{siltstone,sandstone mudstone}
- Age
- Jurassic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 7
- Unique Species
- 7
- Oldest
- 199.5 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 32
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Uranium, Vanadium, Copper, Clay, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Limestone, General
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 105°F (1943-07-10)
- Record Low
- -19°F (1961-12-12)
Wildfire History
This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.
- Recorded Fires
- 4
- Largest Fire
- Admin Unit FY16 Pile Burn AddOn (50.2 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- High
Watershed
- Watershed
- Parrish Creek
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 3 (NUFORC)
- Eeriness Score
- 6/100
Sunset View Campground, Navajo National Monument 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 Sunset View Campground.
Coordinates: 36.672521, -110.542428