Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
Trailheads in Arizona
What to Pack for Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.
This packing list is tailored to the Mountain Forest environment and Semi-Arid at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14).
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
-
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.
Terrain Gear
-
Trekking poles — Poles reduce knee impact by up to 25% on steep descents, preventing the joint pain that slows hikers on long routes.
-
Ankle-support boots — Loose rock, roots, and uneven terrain put constant lateral stress on ankles; supportive boots prevent the sprains that end trips.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
The Mountain Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The terrain here lends itself to hiking, photography, picnicking — activities that match the Mountain Forest environment.
Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.
Activities
-
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.
-
running — Hit scenic trails or park loops for a workout surrounded by fresh air and open space.
-
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: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Mountain Forest — Mountain forests combine dense tree cover with steep slopes and elevation changes.
Wildlife Safety at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.
The wildlife safety profile at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) includes venomous snakes — here's what to know about each.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (158mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake. 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.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.
Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.
A small slender snake with red, yellow, and black rings around the body.
Keep the victim calm and still while awaiting treatment.
- 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 Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
The Mountain Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The natural world around Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) reflects its Mountain Forest setting — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Emory oak overhead, California poppy at your feet, and wildlife throughout.
Trees (4)
-
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures. -
Emory oak — Leaves are glossy dark green above. -
Arizona sycamore — Large lobed leaves resemble those of other sycamores. -
gray oak — The bark is gray and lightly furrowed.
Wildflowers (1)
-
California poppy — Bright orange cup-shaped flowers with silky petals.
Shrubs (2)
-
Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain. -
tree cholla — Spines detach easily and cling to fur or clothing. The plant produces greenish to yellow flowers in spring.
Other Plants (5)
-
alligator juniper
-
Parry's agave
-
ocotillo
-
pointleaf manzanita
-
fishhook barrel cactus
Mammals (3)
-
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump. -
American Black Bear — A stocky bear with rounded ears and a straight facial profile. -
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Birds (30)
-
Mountain Bluebird — Bright sky-blue male -
Bufflehead — Small duck with large white head patch -
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat -
Gadwall — Subtle gray male with black rump -
Sandhill Crane — Tall gray body
Reptiles (5)
-
Greater Earless Lizard — A small lizard lacking visible external ear openings. -
Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake — A stout rattlesnake with olive or yellowish body and dark tail. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning. -
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back. -
Clark's Spiny Lizard — A medium lizard with rough scales and gray to brown coloration.
Amphibians (2)
-
Canyon Tree Frog -
Red-spotted Toad
Insects (14)
-
Blue-ringed Dancer -
White-belted Ringtail -
Powdered Dancer -
Dusky Dancer -
Sooty Dancer
Other Wildlife (2)
-
Arizona Bark Scorpion
-
Red Shiner
Nature Bingo at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee Climate & Sun
Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.
The climate at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) peaks for outdoor activity during May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, when temperatures average °F.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 53.7°F
Annual precipitation: 19.6 in
With an average annual temperature of 53.7°F and 19.6 inches of precipitation, Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 71°F, while winter lows drop to 38°F.
Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 1.6 in |
| Feb | 40°F | 1.6 in |
| Mar | 45°F | 1.4 in |
| Apr | 51°F | 0.6 in |
| May | 58°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 69°F | 0.5 in |
| Jul | 71°F | 3.5 in |
| Aug | 70°F | 3.4 in |
| Sep | 64°F | 2.1 in |
| Oct | 55°F | 1.6 in |
| Nov | 46°F | 1.3 in |
| Dec | 38°F | 1.5 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.
Summer: 5:06 AM – 7:27 PM
Winter: 7:13 AM – 5:11 PM
Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee Trip Planning & Access
Here's the practical side of visiting Ad Bar Trailhead (#14).
Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix, here's what visiting Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) involves.
Visitor Friendliness
This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, moderate for families, and challenging for elderly visitors.
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: moderate (Long distance (>5mi), Steep climb (>1000ft))
- 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 Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
The area around Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) has plenty more to offer.
The proximity of 15 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.
Nearby Trails
- Mallet Trail, Greenlee 0.73 mi
- Bear Pen Springs Trail, Greenlee 1.58 mi
- Pipestem Trail, Greenlee 2.08 mi
- Turkey Trail, Greenlee 2.31 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.
Under the Bortle class 2 skies at Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), you can expect to see 2 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
From Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), you can trace Ursa Minor, 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. -
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 Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.
Knowing what each season brings helps you plan the best possible visit to Ad Bar Trailhead (#14).
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 Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee
Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.
For thousands of years, this land has been cared for by Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) and their ancestors.
Territories
Languages
Indigenous languages connected to this territory include White Mountain, Chiricahua.
Data from Native Land Digital
Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Ad Bar Trailhead (#14) 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
- Middle Miocene to Oligocene volcanic rocks
- Formation
- Peach Springs Tuff; Apache Leap Tuff
- Lithology
- Major:{basalt,andesite,dacite}, Minor:{rhyolite}
- Age
- Cenozoic
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 124
- Richness
- Exceptional
- Minerals Found
- Copper, Manganese, Gold, Silver, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Zinc, Pumice
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 2513
- ESA Endangered
- 61
- ESA Threatened
- 31
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 116°F (1994-06-26)
- Record Low
- -5°F (1965-02-11)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 70
- Largest Fire
- Mule (5,470.4 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Orejana Canyon-San Francisco River
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0.348%
- Impaired
- 8.53%
Ad Bar Trailhead (#14), Greenlee Safety & Conditions
The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.
Safety starts with current information. These resources cover real-time conditions near Ad Bar Trailhead (#14).
Coordinates: 33.397141, -109.335213