Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
Trails in Arizona
Photo: Brady Smith; Coconino National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0
What to Pack for Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.
Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Willow Crossing, here's what to bring.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
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First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
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Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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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.
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Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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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.
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Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
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Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.
Wildlife Gear
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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.
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Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
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Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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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
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Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
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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 Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Willow Crossing supports 6 outdoor activities, with hiking being the most popular draw.
Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.
Activities
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hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
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photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
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picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
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running — Hit scenic trails or park loops for a workout surrounded by fresh air and open space.
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walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
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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 Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.
With a danger score of 25/10, Willow Crossing has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Far from city (88mi)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
- 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.
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.
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.
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 Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Willow Crossing sits within a Desert ecosystem home to 13 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings. -
Woods' rose — Pink five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.
Shrubs (2)
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Fourwing Saltbush — A gray-green shrub with narrow leaves and papery four-winged seed bracts. -
fernbush — A rounded shrub with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers.
Other Plants (5)
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Spinystar
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Kingcup Cactus
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Whipple Cholla
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western blue flag
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Green Ephedra
Mammals (13)
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Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings. -
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail. -
American Bison — A massive, hump-shouldered bovine with shaggy dark brown fur. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — A small desert squirrel with tan fur and white stripe along sides.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib -
Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail -
Hooded Merganser — Male with large white crest -
Brewer's Sparrow — Plain gray-brown plumage -
Black-throated Sparrow — Bold black throat patch
Reptiles (11)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration. -
Eastern Collared Lizard — A colorful lizard with two black collar bands around the neck. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration. -
Prairie Rattlesnake — A tan to greenish rattlesnake with dark oval blotches along the back. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
Amphibians (4)
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Northern Leopard Frog -
Arizona Tree Frog -
Boreal Chorus Frog -
Mexican Spadefoot
Insects (4)
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Megetra vittata
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Painted Lady -
Convergent Lady Beetle -
White-lined Sphinx
Fungi (1)
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Fly Agaric
Other Wildlife (2)
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Diablo Mountainsnail
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Common Desert Centipede
Nature Bingo at Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino Climate & Sun
For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.
The climate at Willow Crossing averages 49.7°F annually, with Temperate conditions.
Climate type: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 49.7°F
Annual precipitation: 24.4 in
With an average annual temperature of 49.7°F and 24.4 inches of precipitation, Willow Crossing has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 34°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 3.1 in |
| Feb | 36°F | 3.1 in |
| Mar | 41°F | 2.7 in |
| Apr | 46°F | 1.0 in |
| May | 54°F | 0.7 in |
| Jun | 64°F | 0.2 in |
| Jul | 69°F | 2.4 in |
| Aug | 67°F | 3.2 in |
| Sep | 61°F | 2.0 in |
| Oct | 51°F | 1.5 in |
| Nov | 41°F | 1.7 in |
| Dec | 34°F | 2.8 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: 5:11 AM – 7:39 PM
Winter: 7:24 AM – 5:16 PM
Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Planning your trip to Willow Crossing — here's the practical information you'll need.
The nearest major city to Willow Crossing is Phoenix, about 88 miles away.
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 (Long distance (>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 Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.
There are 15 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Willow Crossing.
Nearby Trails
- Maxwell Trail, Coconino 2.91 mi
- Calloway, Coconino 5.21 mi
- Cash Trail, Coconino 6.69 mi
- East Webber Trail, Gila 12.92 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.
The skies above Willow Crossing register a Bortle class 4, making this a Rural/suburban transition location for stargazing.
Constellations
From Willow Crossing, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.
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Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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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:
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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 Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Willow Crossing.
The seasons shape the experience at Willow Crossing — here's what each one brings.
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 Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino
This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.
Willow Crossing sits on the traditional lands of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Territories
Languages
Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Dilzhę́’é (North), Yavapai.
Data from Native Land Digital
Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Willow Crossing 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
- Late to middle Miocene basaltic rocks
- Formation
- Hickey Formation
- Lithology
- Major:{basalt}
- Age
- Serravallian
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 12
- Unique Species
- 10
- Oldest
- 312.8 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 34
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Copper, Gold, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Silver, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 118°F (1958-07-12)
- Record Low
- -9°F (1992-12-17)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 77
- Largest Fire
- Backbone (40,858 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Lower Fossil Creek
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 21.083%
Filming Locations
- Productions Filmed
- 228
- Notable Films
- Asteroid City, Jesus Is King, Transformers: The Last Knight, Sicario, Strange Blood, The Phoenix Incident, The Lone Ranger, Gravity, The Hangover Part III, The Vision of Paolo Soleri: Prophet in the Desert
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 5 (NUFORC)
- Bigfoot Reports
- 2 (BFRO)
- Eeriness Score
- 36/100
Willow Crossing Trail, Coconino Safety & Conditions
Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.
Check current conditions at Willow Crossing before heading out using these official sources.
Coordinates: 34.598959, -111.40147