Anderson Mesa
Mountain High plateau near Flagstaff hosting astronomical observatory
A high mesa near Flagstaff that hosts observatory facilities and forest trails; visitors come for astronomy, dark-sky viewing, hiking and winter snowshoe routes.
Anderson Mesa is a high, flat mesa in Coconino County, Arizona, located southeast of Flagstaff. It is a recognizable topographic plateau used for astronomy and recreation.
The mesa is home to the Anderson Mesa Station of Lowell Observatory, which hosts research telescopes and facilities for optical astronomy. Its elevation and distance from Flagstaff provide darker skies suitable for observing and long-exposure work.
The area lies within Coconino National Forest territory and is roughly 20 kilometers southeast of Flagstaff, accessible by forest roads and used for both scientific work and outdoor recreation.
- Astronomy: Known for dark skies and active astronomical research, the mesa is a destination for stargazing and scientific observing, with access controlled around observatory operations.
What to See #
- Anderson Mesa Station: Lowell Observatory's Anderson Mesa Station, a research outpost sited on the plateau with a number of small to medium research telescopes used for optical astronomy.
How to Get to Anderson Mesa #
The Angels Landing trailhead is accessed from Zion Canyon’s main artery. From Springdale, Utah, take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to The Grotto stop (seasonal service); the West Rim Trailhead begins there. If driving privately to the park, use the main Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (often closed to private vehicles during peak season) and park at the visitor center, then transfer to the shuttle to The Grotto.
Tips for Visiting Anderson Mesa #
- Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle from Springdale; get off at The Grotto (Trailhead) and start early-trail bottlenecks form at Scout Lookout by mid-morning.
- Bring a headlamp if starting before dawn and sturdy footwear-the final half-mile along the ridge is exposed and uses chains.
- Check the National Park Service website before heading out: icy conditions can close the chains section and a permit (implemented in 2022) is required to proceed beyond Scout Lookout.
Best Time to Visit Anderson Mesa #
Best in spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds; winter offers solitude but potential closure of exposed sections.
Weather & Climate near Anderson Mesa #
Anderson Mesa's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (520 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
