Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
Trailheads in Arizona
Near Clifton, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.
Pack for Forest terrain, Semi-Arid, and the wildlife considerations above.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
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First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
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Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
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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.
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Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
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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.
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Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
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Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.
Wildlife Gear
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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.
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Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
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Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
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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.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Whether you're here for backpacking or looking to try something different, Pipestem Trailhead (#545) has options.
Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.
Activities
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backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
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hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
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photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
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picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
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walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
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wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.
Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Terrain: Forest — Forests are dominated by dense tree cover, layered canopies, and shaded understories. Ground conditions vary from leaf litter to mossy soils, with limited visibility off trail.
Wildlife Safety at Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.
Most visitors at Pipestem Trailhead (#545) never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 30/10 means preparation matters.
- 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 . They're most active during warm months.
- 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 Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The Forest environment here supports 38 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Trees (4)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips. -
Emory oak — Acorns are large and mature in one season. -
Arizona sycamore — Round seed balls hang on long stalks. -
gray oak — Acorns mature in one season.
Wildflowers (1)
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California poppy — Bright orange cup-shaped flowers with silky petals.
Shrubs (2)
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Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain. -
tree cholla — Older stems form a woody trunk-like base, giving it a branching tree form.
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 — 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)
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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)
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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)
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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 Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee Climate & Sun
Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.
The annual average temperature here is 54.7°F, with 19.1 inches of precipitation.
Climate type: Semi-Arid
Annual avg temp: 54.7°F
Annual precipitation: 19.1 in
With an average annual temperature of 54.7°F and 19.1 inches of precipitation, Pipestem Trailhead (#545) has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 72°F, while winter lows drop to 39°F.
Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 1.6 in |
| Feb | 41°F | 1.7 in |
| Mar | 46°F | 1.4 in |
| Apr | 52°F | 0.6 in |
| May | 59°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 71°F | 0.5 in |
| Jul | 72°F | 3.4 in |
| Aug | 71°F | 3.2 in |
| Sep | 65°F | 2.0 in |
| Oct | 56°F | 1.5 in |
| Nov | 47°F | 1.3 in |
| Dec | 39°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: 5:06 AM – 7:27 PM
Winter: 7:13 AM – 5:11 PM
Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee Trip Planning & Access
Here's the practical side of visiting Pipestem Trailhead (#545).
Pipestem Trailhead (#545) is 158 miles from Phoenix — here's what to budget for the trip.
Visitor Friendliness
This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.
- 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 Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
The area around Pipestem Trailhead (#545) has plenty more to offer.
If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Pipestem Trailhead (#545).
Nearby Trails
- Turkey Trail, Greenlee 0.98 mi
- Ad Bar Trail, Greenlee 1.42 mi
- Pipestem Trail, Greenlee 1.52 mi
- Mallet Trail, Greenlee 1.91 mi
- Bear Pen Springs Trail, Greenlee 2.83 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Upper Juan Miller Cg Campground, Greenlee 7.54 mi
- Lower Juan Miller Cg Campground, Greenlee 7.59 mi
- Honeymoon Campground (N, 0mi), Greenlee 11.06 mi
- Strayhorse Cg Campground, Greenlee 12.02 mi
- Granville Cg Campground, Greenlee 13.48 mi
Stargazing & Night Sky at Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.
On clear nights, the Bortle class 2 skies above Pipestem Trailhead (#545) reveal constellations and bright planets.
Constellations
From Pipestem Trailhead (#545), you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
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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:
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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 Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.
Timing your visit to Pipestem Trailhead (#545) around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you 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 Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee
Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.
Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).
Territories
Languages
Indigenous languages connected to this territory include White Mountain, Chiricahua.
Data from Native Land Digital
Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Pipestem Trailhead (#545) 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%
Pipestem Trailhead (#545), Greenlee Safety & Conditions
The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.
Before visiting Pipestem Trailhead (#545), verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.
Coordinates: 33.377188, -109.329443