Photo: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA / CC BY 2.0

Fishing 7,693 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

The Sollers Cabin is a two-story, six-room cabin suitable for up to eight people. The cabin has 3 bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, a dining/living room, 1.5 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. The living room contains two queen-size futons. The dining room has a table which seats eight. The newly added sunroom is great for morning coffee or a good book. The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove and oven, microwave, refrigerator, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, a toaster, and a coffee pot. The house has electricity, electric heating (no A/C), and running water. While the cabin has amenities for comfortable lodging, guests do need to provide some of their own supplies, including food, sleeping bags, linens, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags. At this time, guests are not to use the fireplace in the cabin. Unless fire restrictions are in effect, guests can have a fire in the fire ring outside. Although electricity is available, it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies. Recreation The Sollers Cabin is approximately one hour from Tucson, Arizona, and provides excellent access to a myriad of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, birding, horseback riding, picnicking, sightseeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and visiting historic areas. Fishing is also available at nearby Rose Canyon Lake. Winter sports are available at higher elevations, depending on snowfall; Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley in the Santa Catalina Mountains is the southernmost ski area in the United States. Natural Features The Santa Catalina Mountains comprise one of the "sky islands" in the Coronado National Forest. From the desert floor to the upper slopes of Mt. Lemmon, biozones vary from Sonoran Desert to subalpine forest, with wildlife communities that are equally diverse. An extensive trail network offers opportunities for day and extended trips, with easy access to the nearby Pusch Ridge Wildernes Nearby Attractions Numerous attractions are also available nearby, including: the Sky Island Scenic Byway (General Hitchcock Highway), Rose Canyon Lake, Mt Lemmon Ski Valley, The University of Arizona Mt. Lemmon Sky Center, the hamlet of Summerhaven, Arizona, as well as numerous hiking trails, and opportunities for photography and picnicking. Attractions within one hour's drive include Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Saguaro National Park East.

Near Mount Lemmon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.

Between the Desert terrain and venomous snakes, your pack for Sollers Cabin (az) needs a few specific items.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.
Headlamp (extra) — Cave exploration, deep canyons, and dense forest canopy create darkness even during daylight hours.
Emergency bivy — Unlike a space blanket, a bivy fully encloses you, trapping more warmth and blocking wind from all directions.
PLB/satellite messenger — In remote wilderness with no cell coverage, a PLB is your only way to call for help during a serious injury or emergency.
SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

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

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep is the prime window for visiting Sollers Cabin (az), when conditions favor birdwatching and the weather cooperates.

With a photography score of 55/100, Sollers Cabin (az) offers Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

birdwatching — Binoculars and field guides help track seasonal migrations and rare sightings.
camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
cross_country_skiing — Cross-country skiing blends endurance with quiet winter exploration.
glamping — Glamping blends outdoor immersion with convenience and style.
horseback_riding — Horseback riding offers a traditional way to travel through scenic terrain.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rock_climbing — Rock climbing ranges from beginner routes to advanced multi-pitch climbs.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
scuba_diving — Scuba diving reveals reefs, shipwrecks, and aquatic life up close.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
skiing — Skiing offers speed, skill, and sweeping winter mountain views.
snorkeling — Snorkeling offers an accessible way to view reefs and clear waters.
snowshoeing — Snowshoeing opens quiet winter landscapes to exploration.
stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

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

Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.

Wildlife Safety at Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.

Sollers Cabin (az) carries a danger score of 30/10, driven primarily by venomous snakes.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (107mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (32N), Elevated (7,693ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake are present in the Desert habitat around Sollers Cabin (az).

Western Diamondback

Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.

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

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

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

Sidewinder

Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

Red bands touch yellow bands, a key identifying feature.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

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 Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

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

Biodiversity at Sollers Cabin (az) is shaped by the Desert terrain and Temperate climate, producing distinct plant and animal communities.

Trees (2)

Arizona sycamore — Large lobed leaves resemble those of other sycamores.
silverleaf oak — Leaf undersides are pale and slightly fuzzy.

Wildflowers (1)

Arizona poppy — Finely divided gray-green foliage.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
tree cholla — Spines detach easily and cling to fur or clothing. The plant produces greenish to yellow flowers in spring.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Ribbed stems grow close to the ground and may form tight clusters over time. Spines range from straw-colored to reddish brown, offering protection from herbivores.

Other Plants (5)

fishhook barrel cactus
ocotillo
rainbow hedgehog cactus
Palmer's agave
saguaro

Mammals (5)

White-tailed Deer — Slender build with long legs and large dark eyes.
Arizona Gray Squirrel — Distinct from eastern gray squirrels by range.
White-nosed Coati — Slender body with elongated snout.
Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong.
Rock Squirrel — Stouter and larger than many other ground squirrels.

Birds (30)

Ruddy Duck — Brown winter plumage
Rock Pigeon — White or mottled urban color morphs
Ring-necked Duck — Female brown with white eye ring
Gambel's Quail — Black face patch
Neotropic Cormorant — Long tail

Reptiles (9)

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — Often shows dark crossbands and subtle patterning.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
Clark's Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue markings on the throat and belly.
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail — Long tail and smooth scales.

Amphibians (3)

Sonoran Desert Toad
Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad

Insects (20)

Marine Blue
Pipevine Swallowtail
Arizona Sister
American Snout
Bordered Patch

Other Wildlife (1)

Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Nature Bingo at Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

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

Wildlife Challenge

Broad-billed Hummingbird (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Sonoran Desert Toad (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Sollers Cabin (az), Pima Climate & Sun

Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.

Temperature and precipitation data for Sollers Cabin (az) help narrow down the ideal visit window.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 54.6°F

Annual precipitation: 31.1 in

With an average annual temperature of 54.6°F and 31.1 inches of precipitation, Sollers Cabin (az) has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 40°F.

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

Winter 40°

2.9"

Spring 51°

1.0"

Summer 70°

4.8"

Fall 58°

1.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	40°F	2.9 in
Feb	41°F	3.5 in
Mar	45°F	2.2 in
Apr	51°F	1.0 in
May	60°F	0.6 in
Jun	69°F	0.4 in
Jul	70°F	4.8 in
Aug	68°F	5.6 in
Sep	65°F	2.9 in
Oct	58°F	1.8 in
Nov	49°F	2.1 in
Dec	40°F	3.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:14 AM – 7:30 PM

Winter: 7:16 AM – 5:19 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:16 AM, Sunset 5:19 PM Golden hour from 4:41 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:14 AM, Sunset 7:30 PM Golden hour from 6:54 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:34 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:57 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:05 AM, Sunset 6:30 PM Golden hour from 5:58 PM

Sollers Cabin (az), Pima Trip Planning & Access

With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.

At 107 miles from Phoenix, Sollers Cabin (az) is a short road trip for most visitors.

Nearest city: Phoenix (107 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $26.76 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 86.5 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (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 Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.

Don't limit your trip to just Sollers Cabin (az) — the surrounding area has 16 more places to discover.

Nearby Trails

Douglas Spring Trail, Saguaro National Park 12 mi
Creosote Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.12 mi
Converse Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.13 mi
Stock Bypass Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.14 mi
Kennedy Trail, Saguaro National Park 12.35 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Palisades Ranger Residence Cabin Campground, Pima 0.52 mi
Showers Point Group Site (N, 0mi), Pima 0.82 mi
Rose Canyon Campground (W, 0mi), Pima 1.06 mi
Rose Canyon Campground (E, 0mi), Pima 1.27 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.

Night falls differently here — the Bortle 3 rating means Rural sky visibility for stars, planets, and meteor showers.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

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 Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

Different seasons reveal different sides of Sollers Cabin (az).

Nature at Sollers Cabin (az) follows a seasonal calendar — here's when to come for what you want to see.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

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 Sollers Cabin (az), Pima

This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.

The cultural landscape of Sollers Cabin (az) reflects the long presence of O’odham Jeweḍ, Sobaipuri, Tohono O’odham on this land.

Territories

Languages

2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: San Carlos, Pima.

Data from Native Land Digital

Sollers Cabin (az), Pima Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Sollers Cabin (az) 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: Early Tertiary to Late Cretaceous muscovite-bearing granitic rocks
Formation: Wilderness Granite; Pan Tak Granite
Lithology: Major:{granite}, Minor:{pegmatite}
Age: Thanetian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 65
Unique Species: 63
Oldest: 129,000 years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 148
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Tungsten, Gold, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Silver, Lead, Geothermal

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 118°F (1990-06-27)
Record Low: -7°F (1985-02-02)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 125
Largest Fire: BIGHORN (119,634.5 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Sabino Creek
Water Quality (Good): 16.155%
Impaired: 0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 1
Largest: Udall Park (0.2 kg)

Filming Locations

Productions Filmed: 3
Notable Films: The Dentist, Tin Cup, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 243 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 22 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 60/100

Sollers Cabin (az), Pima Safety & Conditions

For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.

Don't rely on forecasts alone — check these live sources for the latest conditions near Sollers Cabin (az).

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: MOUNT LEMMON WILLOW CANYON, AZ US (1.6 mi)