Photo: CK2AZ / CC BY 4.0

Campgrounds 5,692 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Named after "Old Man Stockton," a rancher who settled in this area in the 1870s, Stockton Campground lies off the beaten path in the high desert of the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Groups of up to 30 people can come here to camp and enjoy hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. The facility is located on a beautiful scenic drive with panoramic views of the mountains. Recreation A leisurely drive on SR 266 reveals large cattle ranges, rugged mountain ranges, and broad grasslands dotted with desert plants, a true southwestern experience. The Pass is open year-round, though summer can bring soaring temperatures and muddy rainstorms. The area offers excellent hiking, and trails are easily accessed from the campground. The Shake Trail #309 winds through the high desert landscape and begins a climb that continues to the Swift Trail, high in the Pinaleño Mountains. The campground’s setting is also inviting for an afternoon picnic, with tables set in a desert grassland with the occasional oak, manzanita tree, or cactus. Facilities Stockton Pass has one group camping area that can be reserved by a single group of up to 30 people at a time. Amenities include vault toilets, several picnic tables, pedestal grills and campfire rings with grills. Bear-proof trash cans are provided to keep visitors and wildlife safe. Several first-come, first-served individual sites are located nearby (must pay separately). Dead-and-downed firewood may be collected in and around the campsite. Natural Features This site encompasses an area of beautiful desert grassland mixed with oak woodlands. Many species of birds and wildlife live in the area, including deer, black bear and mountain lions. Stockton Pass serves as a route over the Pinaleño Mountains into Sulphur Springs Valley. The campground is located at the apex of the pass and offers good views of the south slopes of some of the mountain range's highest peaks, as well as views of surrounding valleys and mountains. With an elevation of 5,600 feet, temperatures are cooler than the surrounding low deserts in summer but still allow for camping in fall and winter. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities. Nearby Attractions SR 266 West will take you out to the Galiuro Wilderness area, equipped with a variety of additional trails, including the West Divide Trail #289/Powers Garden Trail #96, which will bring you to the Power’s Family Cabin. The Power’s family were pioneers that farmed, ranged and mined in the Rattlesnake Canyon in the early 1900s until three members of the family were involved in a gunfight with law officers on a gold claim they were working. Two of the members escaped, at the time becoming the object of one of the longest manhunts in Arizona’s history. SR 266 East will bring you back to SR 191, where you could continue heading north to reach the town of Safford (approximately a 1 hour drive from the Stockton Pass campground). Safford is home to our Ranger Station, where you can go to find information about trails, camping, hunting and fishing, and other questions you may have about our district (open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm). Charges & Cancellations Please review the Rules & Reservations Policies page on recreation.gov

Near Willcox, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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 Stockton Pass — Desert 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

Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.
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 Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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

Outdoor recreation at Stockton Pass centers on backpacking, with the Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr months offering the best conditions.

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

Activities

backpacking — Backpacking combines endurance, planning, and remote wilderness camping.
birdwatching — Binoculars and field guides help track seasonal migrations and rare sightings.
camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
glamping — Glamping blends outdoor immersion with convenience and style.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
scuba_diving — Scuba diving reveals reefs, shipwrecks, and aquatic life up close.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
snorkeling — Snorkeling offers an accessible way to view reefs and clear waters.
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: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.

Wildlife Safety at Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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

A danger score of 30/10 means Stockton Pass 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 (142mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (33N), Elevated (5,692ft), Desert (exposed))

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 Desert habitat around Stockton Pass.

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 Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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

The plant life here ranges from in the canopy to purple owl's-clover along the trail edges.

Wildflowers (1)

purple owl's-clover — Upright stems with finely divided leaves.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Adapted to desert heat, this cactus stores water in thick stems and tolerates prolonged drought.
Black-spined Pricklypear — Pads store water for drought tolerance.

Other Plants (5)

fishhook barrel cactus
saguaro
Devil Club-cholla
Sacred Datura
Graham's nipple cactus

Mammals (3)

Coyote — Narrow muzzle and upright ears.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit — Brown-gray coat and powerful hind legs.
American Black Bear — Color varies from jet black to cinnamon or even blond.

Birds (30)

Ruddy Duck — Brown winter plumage
Rock Pigeon — White or mottled urban color morphs
Ring-necked Duck — Female brown with white eye ring
Gambel's Quail — Black face patch
Neotropic Cormorant — Long tail

Reptiles (10)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.
Gila Monster — Thick tail used for fat storage.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.
Regal Horned Lizard — Color ranges from sandy tan to reddish brown, matching desert soils.

Amphibians (2)

Sonoran Desert Toad
Couch's Spadefoot

Insects (9)

White-lined Sphinx
Tamarisk Beetles
Flame Skimmer
Painted Lady
Roseate Skimmer

Other Wildlife (3)

Western Spotted Orbweaver
Desert Millipede
Giant Crab Spider

Nature Bingo at Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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

Wildlife Challenge

Least Sandpiper (bird)
Coyote (mammal)
Common Side-blotched Lizard (reptile)
Sonoran Desert Toad (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Stockton Pass Campground, Graham Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Stockton Pass.

With 17 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 58.9°F, Stockton Pass has Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 58.9°F

Annual precipitation: 17 in

With an average annual temperature of 58.9°F and 17 inches of precipitation, Stockton Pass has mild, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 76°F, while winter lows drop to 43°F.

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

Winter 43°

1.4"

Spring 57°

0.5"

Summer 76°

3.2"

Fall 61°

0.9"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	43°F	1.4 in
Feb	45°F	1.3 in
Mar	50°F	1.0 in
Apr	57°F	0.5 in
May	64°F	0.3 in
Jun	74°F	0.6 in
Jul	76°F	3.2 in
Aug	74°F	3.7 in
Sep	70°F	1.8 in
Oct	61°F	0.9 in
Nov	51°F	0.9 in
Dec	43°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: 5:11 AM – 7:27 PM

Winter: 7:13 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:13 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:37 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:11 AM, Sunset 7:27 PM Golden hour from 6:51 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:31 AM, Sunset 6:26 PM Golden hour from 5:54 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:02 AM, Sunset 6:27 PM Golden hour from 5:54 PM

Stockton Pass Campground, Graham Trip Planning & Access

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

Trip planning for Stockton Pass starts with the 142-mile route from Phoenix.

Nearest city: Phoenix (142 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $35.46 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 114.6 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: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 6 destinations surround Stockton Pass.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lower Twilight Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham 3.9 mi
Snow Flat Cg Campground, Graham 3.91 mi
Upper Arcadia Campground, Graham 4.38 mi
Shannon Campground, Graham 4.55 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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 — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
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 — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
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 — 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 Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Stockton Pass rewards visitors in every season.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

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 Stockton Pass Campground, Graham

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, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).

Territories

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: White Mountain.

White Mountain

Data from Native Land Digital

Stockton Pass Campground, Graham Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Stockton Pass 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: Quaternary surficial deposits, undivided
Lithology: Major:{sand,silt,clay}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 4
Unique Species: 4
Oldest: 129,000 years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 62
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Geothermal, Copper, Gold, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Iron, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Uranium

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 112°F (2017-06-21)
Record Low: -7°F (1978-12-08)

Wildfire History

This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.

Recorded Fires: 12
Largest Fire: Grapevine (18,351.5 acres)
Most Recent: 2023
Fire Risk: High

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: evaporite_basin
Karst Score: 30

Watershed

Watershed: Reiley Creek-Ash Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 2 (NUFORC)
Eeriness Score: 4/100

Stockton Pass Campground, Graham 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 Stockton Pass right now.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: SAFFORD 9.9 S, AZ US (10.45 mi)