Arizona area camping

Eddiebrs

Eddiebrs

Rank I
Launch Member

Traveler I

271
Phoenix, Az, USA
First Name
Eddie
Last Name
Barrows
Member #

15627

Just moved to Phoenix for work. I’ll be here for a couple of months. My wife and I have a 2 yr old and want to do some camping to check out area around here (Grand Canyon National Park area). My concern is the heat with my 2y/o. Any tips for camping in this heat? Any spots that might be better for exploring and setting up camp would be appreciated. Just looking to check out the area without it being miserable for the family. What do you guys do for summer camping this time of year?
 
Almost anywhere with an elevation of 7,000 feet or higher will definitely feel better than Phoenix in the summer! Or, I usually, try to camp in the trees above 5,500 feet.

Here are some ideas:
- around Flagstaff
- Mingus Mountain
- around Alpine
- around Hannagan Meadow
- Mt. Graham area in the Pinaleño Mountains - Graham County
- Chiricahua Mountains–Cochise County
- the top of Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains - Cochise County

Let me know if you need more specific information about any of the above.

Also, keep in mind that even though the higher elevations are cooler the UV from sun may be greater and cause sunburn faster.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eddiebrs
Just an FYI the north rim is closed due to the Magnum wildfire. It is now encroaching on Vermillion Cliffs as well.

| InciWeb

Incidents Page of for the Inciweb site.
inciweb.nwcg.gov inciweb.nwcg.gov
 
mmssierra said:
Almost anywhere with an elevation of 7,000 feet or higher will definitely feel better than Phoenix in the summer! Or, I usually, try to camp in the trees above 5,500 feet.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendations! I’m gonna start looking at those spots and come up with a plan. I’ll let you know if I have any questions. Thx again
 
Mount Graham by Safford lets you play in Arivaipa creek and then run up to some serious cool temps
The Alpine area has Big Lake and plenty of elevation, just be bear aware and not leave kids snacks around.
Hualapai mountain by Kingman is higher than most folks think and Wild Cow campground on the backside
I avoid the Flagstaff area like the plague as way too many goofballs go there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eddiebrs
mmssierra said:
Almost anywhere with an elevation of 7,000 feet or higher will definitely feel better than Phoenix in the summer! Or, I usually, try to camp in the trees above 5,500 feet.

Here are some ideas:
- around Flagstaff
- Mingus Mountain
- around Alpine
- around Hannagan Meadow
- Mt. Graham area in the Pinaleño Mountains - Graham County
- Chiricahua Mountains–Cochise County
- the top of Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains - Cochise County

Let me know if you need more specific information about any of the above.

Also, keep in mind that even though the higher elevations are cooler the UV from sun may be greater and cause sunburn faster.
Click to expand...

)

Saw your reply to original post above. We are traveling though AZ from south to north in our FJ. Can you recommend any good drives and camps for December time of year?
 
troubledog said:
mmssierra said:
Almost anywhere with an elevation of 7,000 feet or higher will definitely feel better than Phoenix in the summer! Or, I usually, try to camp in the trees above 5,500 feet.

Here are some ideas:
- around Flagstaff
- Mingus Mountain
- around Alpine
- around Hannagan Meadow
- Mt. Graham area in the Pinaleño Mountains - Graham County
- Chiricahua Mountains–Cochise County
- the top of Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains - Cochise County

Let me know if you need more specific information about any of the above.

Also, keep in mind that even though the higher elevations are cooler the UV from sun may be greater and cause sunburn faster.
Click to expand...

)

Saw your reply to original post above. We are traveling though AZ from south to north in our FJ. Can you recommend any good drives and camps for December time of year?
Click to expand...

Do you have a route more or less planned out already?

Back way to Crown King is a popular run and is close to the middle of the state (north of lake pleasant).

If you want to do some mild wheeling through an amazing canyon check out the "box canyon" by florence junction.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Billygoat Rocklanding
ADValex said:
troubledog said:
mmssierra said:
Almost anywhere with an elevation of 7,000 feet or higher will definitely feel better than Phoenix in the summer! Or, I usually, try to camp in the trees above 5,500 feet.

Here are some ideas:
- around Flagstaff
- Mingus Mountain
- around Alpine
- around Hannagan Meadow
- Mt. Graham area in the Pinaleño Mountains - Graham County
- Chiricahua Mountains–Cochise County
- the top of Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains - Cochise County

Let me know if you need more specific information about any of the above.

Also, keep in mind that even though the higher elevations are cooler the UV from sun may be greater and cause sunburn faster.
Click to expand...

)

Saw your reply to original post above. We are traveling though AZ from south to north in our FJ. Can you recommend any good drives and camps for December time of year?
Click to expand...

Do you have a route more or less planned out already?

Back way to Crown King is a popular run and is close to the middle of the state (north of lake pleasant).

If you want to do some mild wheeling through an amazing canyon check out the "box canyon" by florence junction.
Click to expand...

Back Road to Crown King is an amazing trip. Box Canyon is my trusty trail for quick trips. If you do sandman road makes a great loop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: troubledog
Not familiar enough with roads and area to try the back way to CK. I think we will do the box canyon though as it’s more accessible and straightforward
 
Last edited:
Eddiebrs said:
Just moved to Phoenix for work. I’ll be here for a couple of months. My wife and I have a 2 yr old and want to do some camping to check out area around here (Grand Canyon National Park area). My concern is the heat with my 2y/o. Any tips for camping in this heat? Any spots that might be better for exploring and setting up camp would be appreciated. Just looking to check out the area without it being miserable for the family. What do you guys do for summer camping this time of year?
Click to expand...
Mogollon Rim. Lakes and camping in higher elevation. Has sites where you pay and have facilities or you can go deeper in and wilderness camp.
 
troubledog said:
Not familiar enough with roads and area to try the back way to CK. I think we will do the box canyon though as it’s more accessible and straightforward
Click to expand...
Backway to Crown King is pretty easy to navigate. I posted the trail in the downloadables. If you cant find it let me know and I can get it to you
 
  • Like
Reactions: ADValex
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom