Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
Trailheads in Arizona
What to Pack for Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
A well-prepared pack for Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) covers 3 categories: essential, wildlife gear, terrain gear.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
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Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The mix of Desert terrain and Semi-Arid conditions here supports everything from hiking, photography, picnicking.
The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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running — From flat paths to rolling hills, running outdoors adds variety to your routine.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.
Wildlife Safety at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
The danger score of 30/10 at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) accounts for Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (157mi from city) in the area.
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (157mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
4 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.
Head is blunt with a black snout.
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 Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The ecosystem around Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) is defined by its Desert landscape, supporting everything from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Emory oak to Mountain Bluebird and Bufflehead.
Trees (4)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — The tree is highly fire-adapted and thrives with periodic low-intensity burns. -
Emory oak — It grows in desert mountains of the Southwest. -
Arizona sycamore — It grows along streams in desert and canyon environments. -
gray oak — It grows in dry foothill habitats.
Wildflowers (1)
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California poppy — Four-petaled blooms that close at night or in cool weather.
Shrubs (2)
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Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain. -
tree cholla — Spiny segments create a dense protective armor. It thrives in desert flats and rocky slopes.
Other Plants (5)
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alligator juniper
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Parry's agave
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ocotillo
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pointleaf manzanita
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fishhook barrel cactus
Mammals (3)
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Bighorn Sheep — Sure-footed build adapted to steep cliffs. -
American Black Bear — Adults typically weigh 150–600 pounds depending on region and sex. -
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Birds (30)
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Mountain Bluebird — Slim thrush shape -
Bufflehead — Compact body and short bill -
Common Raven — Heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail -
Gadwall — White wing patch visible in flight -
Sandhill Crane — Long legs and neck
Reptiles (5)
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Greater Earless Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including tail. -
Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake — Usually 2.5–4 feet long. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long. -
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length. -
Clark's Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–8 inches long.
Amphibians (2)
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Canyon Tree Frog -
Red-spotted Toad
Insects (14)
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Blue-ringed Dancer -
White-belted Ringtail -
Powdered Dancer -
Dusky Dancer -
Sooty Dancer
Other Wildlife (2)
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Arizona Bark Scorpion
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Red Shiner
Nature Bingo at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13).
Month-by-month temperatures at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) range from °F to °F.
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, Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) 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
Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Access to Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) is primarily via Phoenix, 157 miles away.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (moderate), elderly-friendly (challenging).
- 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 Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
The region around Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) is rich with options — 15 nearby destinations are worth exploring.
Nearby Trails
- Crystal Cave Trail, Greenlee 0.4 mi
- Sardine Trail, Greenlee 1.2 mi
- Frye Trail, Greenlee 1.33 mi
- Pinal Trail, Greenlee 1.38 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee 1.16 mi
- Lower Juan Miller Cg Campground, Greenlee 6.86 mi
- Upper Juan Miller Cg Campground, Greenlee 6.86 mi
- Frisco Camp (N, 0mi), Greenlee 13.1 mi
- Owl Creek Campground, Greenlee 14.74 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
Light pollution at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) is Typical truly dark site (Bortle 2), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.
Meteor Showers
The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.
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 Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
Seasonal changes at Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) bring — each offering a distinct experience.
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 Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
We acknowledge that Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) is located on the traditional lands of Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Territories
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include White Mountain, Chiricahua.
Data from Native Land Digital
Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13) 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%
Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13), Greenlee Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Painted Bluff Trailhead (#13).
Coordinates: 33.172126, -109.372708