Trailheads Bortle 1 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Visit TIMP POINT, located 22.2 miles from Supai, AZ. Elevation: 7,726 ft. Mountain terrain. Best visited Oct-Apr.

Near Supai, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), 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 Timp Point 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

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.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

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

Timp Point draws visitors for backpacking, but the 6 available activities mean there's more here than most expect.

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.
hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
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.
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: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

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 Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

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

Awareness is the best safety tool at Timp Point. Here are the wildlife considerations for this area.

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

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (156mi from city)

UV risk: low (Mid latitude (36N), 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.

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

Venomous snakes here include . They're most active during warm months.

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 Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

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

30 bird species have been documented near Timp Point, alongside 7 mammals and a rich variety of native plants.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Shrubs (3)

fernbush — A rounded shrub with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers.
Roundleaf buffaloberry — A thorny shrub with silvery round leaves and small yellow flowers.
Brown-spined Pricklypear — It grows in desert scrub habitats.

Other Plants (5)

Utah Agave
Colorado Pinyon
Apache plume
Banana Yucca
Utah Juniper

Mammals (7)

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.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.
Cliff Chipmunk — A small striped rodent with gray-brown fur and bold facial markings.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail
Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Juniper Titmouse — Plain gray body
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (10)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (1)

Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (8)

Western Carpenter Bee
Painted Lady
Monarch
White-lined Sphinx
Kaibab Paper Wasp

Nature Bingo at Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

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

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Wapiti (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
Utah Agave (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino Climate & Sun

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

The weather at Timp Point follows a Alpine pattern — here's the monthly breakdown.

Climate type: Alpine

Best months to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Winter 27°

2.7"

Spring 41°

1.2"

Summer 65°

2.0"

Fall 45°

1.4"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	27°F	2.7 in
Feb	29°F	3.1 in
Mar	35°F	2.0 in
Apr	41°F	1.2 in
May	49°F	0.8 in
Jun	61°F	0.3 in
Jul	65°F	2.0 in
Aug	62°F	2.8 in
Sep	56°F	1.4 in
Oct	45°F	1.4 in
Nov	35°F	1.3 in
Dec	26°F	2.2 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: 5:10 AM – 7:48 PM

Winter: 7:33 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:33 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:35 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:48 PM Golden hour from 7:09 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:42 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:10 AM, Sunset 6:38 PM Golden hour from 6:04 PM

Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Timp Point — here's the practical information you'll need.

From Las Vegas, Timp Point is a drive covering 156 miles.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (156 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $39.1 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 126.4 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
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), 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 Timp Point.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

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

Timp Point sits under Bortle class 1 skies — Excellent dark-sky site for stargazing in Arizona.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Timp Point, 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 Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Timp Point.

Timp Point is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character and highlights.

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 7726ft 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 Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino

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

The 2 Indigenous groups connected to this land include Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Diné Bizaad.

Diné Bizaad

Data from Native Land Digital

Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Timp Point 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 to Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Hermit Formation; Supai Group; Schnebly Hill Formation; Naco Group
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,shale,limestone}
Age: Paleozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 9
Unique Species: 8
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 3
Richness: Low
Minerals Found: Asbestos, Copper, Silver, Lead

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 96°F (2003-07-10)
Record Low: -15°F (2011-01-01)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 120
Largest Fire: Bridger Knoll (53,376.8 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Evaporite rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 20

Watershed

Watershed: Tapeats Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Timp Point Trailhead (E, 0mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions

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

Check these official resources for current conditions at Timp Point before you go.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: BRIGHT ANGEL RANGER STATION, AZ US (19.42 mi)