Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

Campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds 6,738 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)
A quiet Arizona campground near Clifton featuring 30 bird species and mild annual temperatures around 56°F. Spring through fall are the optimal visiting seasons.

Near Clifton, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.

Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Granville Cg — Forest terrain, Semi-Arid, and local wildlife.

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
  • Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
  • First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
  • Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
  • Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
  • Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
  • Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

  • Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
  • Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
  • Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
  • First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Terrain Gear

  • SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
  • Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

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

Outdoor recreation at Granville Cg centers on camping, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 65/100, Granville Cg offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

  • camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
  • picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
  • stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
  • walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
  • wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Forest — This terrain features mature trees, fallen logs, and filtered light beneath a closed canopy. Trails may wind through uneven roots and soft organic soil.

Wildlife Safety at Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

A danger score of 30/10 means Granville Cg requires moderate preparation compared to the average trail.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (156mi from city)
Altitude risk: mild
UV risk: high (Southern latitude (33N), Elevated (6,738ft), Forest canopy (shade))
Photo score: 65/100
  • Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake are present in the Forest habitat around Granville Cg.

Western Diamondback

Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Arizona Coral Snake

Red bands touch yellow bands, a key identifying feature.

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 Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

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

The plant life here ranges from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Emory oak in the canopy to California poppy along the trail edges.

Trees (4)

  • Southwestern Ponderosa Pine
    Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips.
  • Emory oak
    Emory oak — Acorns are large and mature in one season.
  • Arizona sycamore
    Arizona sycamore — Round seed balls hang on long stalks.
  • gray oak
    gray oak — Acorns mature in one season.

Wildflowers (1)

  • California poppy
    California poppy — Finely divided blue-green foliage forming low mounds.

Shrubs (2)

  • Creosote Bush
    Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
  • tree cholla
    tree cholla — Older stems form a woody trunk-like base, giving it a branching tree form.

Other Plants (5)

  • alligator juniper
  • Parry's agave
  • ocotillo
  • pointleaf manzanita
  • fishhook barrel cactus

Mammals (3)

  • Bighorn Sheep
    Bighorn Sheep — Rams carry massive curled horns.
  • American Black Bear
    American Black Bear — Color varies from jet black to cinnamon or even blond.
  • Mule Deer
    Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter.

Birds (30)

  • Mountain Bluebird
    Mountain Bluebird — Paler female with gray tones
  • Bufflehead
    Bufflehead — Female with small cheek spot
  • Common Raven
    Common Raven — Broad wings with fingered primaries
  • Gadwall
    Gadwall — Mottled brown female
  • Sandhill Crane
    Sandhill Crane — Red crown patch

Reptiles (5)

  • Greater Earless Lizard
    Greater Earless Lizard — Tan to brown with darker blotches and pale underside.
  • Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake
    Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake — Distinct black coloration on last portion of tail before rattle.
  • Ornate Tree Lizard
    Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
  • Gopher Snake
    Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings.
  • Clark's Spiny Lizard
    Clark's Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue markings on the throat and belly.

Amphibians (2)

  • Canyon Tree Frog
    Canyon Tree Frog
  • Red-spotted Toad
    Red-spotted Toad

Insects (14)

  • Blue-ringed Dancer
    Blue-ringed Dancer
  • White-belted Ringtail
    White-belted Ringtail
  • Powdered Dancer
    Powdered Dancer
  • Dusky Dancer
    Dusky Dancer
  • Sooty Dancer
    Sooty Dancer

Other Wildlife (2)

  • Arizona Bark Scorpion
  • Red Shiner

Nature Bingo at Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Granville Cg.

With 18 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 56.4°F, Granville Cg has Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 56.4°F

Annual precipitation: 18 in

With an average annual temperature of 56.4°F and 18 inches of precipitation, Granville Cg has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 75°F, while winter lows drop to 39°F.

Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 39°F 1.6 in
Feb 42°F 1.5 in
Mar 47°F 1.3 in
Apr 54°F 0.5 in
May 62°F 0.5 in
Jun 72°F 0.4 in
Jul 75°F 3.2 in
Aug 73°F 2.9 in
Sep 67°F 2.0 in
Oct 58°F 1.3 in
Nov 48°F 1.4 in
Dec 40°F 1.4 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:07 AM – 7:27 PM

Winter: 7:13 AM – 5:11 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:13 AM, Sunset 5:11 PM Golden hour from 4:34 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:07 AM, Sunset 7:27 PM Golden hour from 6:51 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:29 AM, Sunset 6:24 PM Golden hour from 5:51 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:00 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM Golden hour from 5:52 PM

Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Trip planning for Granville Cg starts with the 156-mile route from Phoenix.

Nearest city: Phoenix (156 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $39.12 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 126.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable
  • Strollers: excellent (100/100)
  • Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 15 destinations surround Granville Cg.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 2 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
  • Cepheus
    Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

  • Geminids
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.

  • Delta Aquariids
    Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)

    This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

  • Venus
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    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 Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Granville Cg rewards visitors in every season.

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 Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee

Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.

This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).

Languages

2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: White Mountain, Chiricahua.

Data from Native Land Digital

Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Granville Cg 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%

Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee Safety & Conditions

Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.

The data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening at Granville Cg right now.

Nearest weather station: BLACK RIVER PUMPS, AZ US (29.34 mi)

Coordinates: 33.187083, -109.381769

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Granville Cg
Arizona · 6,738 ft · Campgrounds · 33.1871°N, -109.3818°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Clifton, AZ

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step (Western Diamondback,Mojave,Sidewinder,Arizona Coral Snake)