Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

Trails in Arizona

Aker Lake/kp Connector

Photo: Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography / Public domain

Trails 2,828 ft 0.23 mi moderate NAT - NATIVE MATERIAL Bortle 2 Solitude: 100/100 (remote)
This short 0.23-mile dirt connector links summer-and-fall hiking access through habitat supporting seven mammal species. The minimal distance provides quick connections while maintaining the route's characteristic seclusion.

What to Pack for Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

The conditions at Aker Lake/kp Connector call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
  • 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.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
  • First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
  • Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
  • 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.
  • Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
  • Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
  • Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

  • Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
  • Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
  • Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
  • First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Climate Gear

  • Insulated layers — Layering lets you regulate temperature as conditions change, preventing the sweat buildup that causes chills later.
  • Hand warmers — Beyond comfort, hand warmers can help treat mild hypothermia by warming blood flowing through the extremities.
  • Thermos — A thermos also works in reverse: cold water stays cold in summer heat, encouraging steady hydration.

Terrain Gear

  • Trekking poles — Trekking poles also serve as emergency splint supports, tarp poles, or probes for testing snow depth.
  • Ankle-support boots — Stiff soles transfer less impact on rocky terrain, reducing foot fatigue over long distances.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

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

The Alpine Forest landscape around Aker Lake/kp Connector makes it well suited for boating, fishing, hiking.

The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

  • boating — Always wear life jackets and follow local water safety rules.
  • fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
  • hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
  • photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
  • picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
  • running — From flat paths to rolling hills, running outdoors adds variety to your routine.
  • skiing — Proper gear and awareness of trail difficulty enhance safety.
  • snowshoeing — It's accessible for beginners yet great exercise in cold weather.
  • swimming — Be mindful of currents, depth, and posted safety guidelines.
  • walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
  • wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Alpine Forest — Rocky soils and scattered clearings are typical.

Wildlife Safety at Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Wildlife safety at Aker Lake/kp Connector comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 30/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (158mi from city).

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Remote (158mi from city)
UV risk: moderate (Southern latitude (34N), Forest canopy (shade))
Photo score: 65/100
  • 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.

Western Diamondback

Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

Head is blunt with a black snout.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

  • 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 Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

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

Nature at Aker Lake/kp Connector includes 2 tree species, 6 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Trees (2)

  • Gambel Oak
    Gambel Oak — The bark is gray and furrowed, while acorns develop singly or in small clusters.
  • Southwestern Ponderosa Pine
    Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips.

Wildflowers (6)

  • upright prairie coneflower
    upright prairie coneflower — Distinct elongated brown cone above reflexed petals.
  • Woods' rose
    Woods' rose — Red rose hips forming after flowering.
  • golden columbine
    golden columbine — Lantern-like blooms adapted to hummingbird pollination.
  • manyflowered gromwell
    manyflowered gromwell — Low clumping plant with narrow foliage.
  • cutleaf coneflower
    cutleaf coneflower — Multiple bright blooms forming loose clusters.

Other Plants (5)

  • western blue flag
  • Scarlet Gilia
  • great mullein
  • MacDougal verbena
  • scarlet cinquefoil

Mammals (7)

  • Wapiti
    Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
  • Bighorn Sheep
    Bighorn Sheep — Sure-footed build adapted to steep cliffs.
  • Mule Deer
    Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
  • Pronghorn
    Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs.
  • Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
    Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Bushy tail and alert posture.

Birds (11)

  • Wild Turkey
    Wild Turkey — Paler Rio Grande subspecies in the West
  • Canada Goose
    Canada Goose — Smaller cackling-type with shorter neck
  • Dark-eyed Junco
    Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks
  • Mountain Bluebird
    Mountain Bluebird — Slim thrush shape
  • Bufflehead
    Bufflehead — Compact body and short bill

Reptiles (5)

  • Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
    Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Typically grows 18–36 inches long with a narrow head and round pupils.
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
    Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
  • Ornate Tree Lizard
    Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
  • Southwestern Fence Lizard
    Southwestern Fence Lizard — Typically 5–8 inches long including tail.
  • Plateau Fence Lizard
    Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail.

Amphibians (3)

  • Arizona Tree Frog
    Arizona Tree Frog
  • Western Tiger Salamander
    Western Tiger Salamander
  • Arizona Toad
    Arizona Toad

Insects (12)

  • Blue Fungus Beetle
    Blue Fungus Beetle
  • Ridings' Satyr
    Ridings' Satyr
  • Nokomis Fritillary
  • Common Ringlet
    Common Ringlet
  • Ruddy Copper
    Ruddy Copper

Fungi (6)

  • lobster mushroom
    lobster mushroom
  • Barrow's Bolete
  • Kaibab Jack
    Kaibab Jack
  • Spring Polypore
    Spring Polypore
  • Floccularia albolanaripes

Other Wildlife (1)

  • Speckled Dace

Nature Bingo at Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

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

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Expect Alpine weather at Aker Lake/kp Connector, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Climate type: Alpine

Annual avg temp: 44.5°F

Annual precipitation: 29.8 in

With an average annual temperature of 44.5°F and 29.8 inches of precipitation, Aker Lake/kp Connector has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 61°F, while winter lows drop to 30°F.

Best months to visit: Jun, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Feb, Aug, Dec.

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 30°F 3.1 in
Feb 32°F 2.3 in
Mar 36°F 2.4 in
Apr 41°F 1.1 in
May 49°F 0.9 in
Jun 59°F 0.6 in
Jul 61°F 4.2 in
Aug 59°F 5.3 in
Sep 55°F 2.8 in
Oct 46°F 2.0 in
Nov 37°F 2.2 in
Dec 30°F 2.9 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:06 AM – 7:28 PM

Winter: 7:14 AM – 5:10 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:14 AM, Sunset 5:10 PM Golden hour from 4:32 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:06 AM, Sunset 7:28 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 5:59 AM, Sunset 6:25 PM Golden hour from 5:52 PM

Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Aker Lake/kp Connector.

Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Aker Lake/kp Connector.

Nearest city: Phoenix (158 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $39.62 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 128.1 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable (Unpaved surface)
  • Strollers: possible (50/100)
  • Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Extend your visit with these nearby options — 12 destinations sit within range of Aker Lake/kp Connector.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Stargazing & Night Sky at Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

Stargazing at Aker Lake/kp Connector benefits from Typical truly dark site darkness — Bortle class 2 on the light pollution scale.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
  • Cepheus
    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.

  • Geminids
    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.

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

    Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.

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

    Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.

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

    Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.

  • Delta Aquariids
    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:

  • 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 Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

Each season reveals a different side of Aker Lake/kp Connector, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.

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 Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

The land around Aker Lake/kp Connector has been home to Chiricahua Apache, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) for thousands of years.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include White Mountain.

Data from Native Land Digital

Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Aker Lake/kp Connector 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
Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits
Lithology
Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}, Minor:{mudstone,siltstone,limestone,gypsum}
Age
Cenozoic

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
11
Richness
Moderate
Minerals Found
Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
2513
ESA Endangered
61
ESA Threatened
31
Conservation Score
100/100

Temperature Records

Record High
105°F (1970-07-14)
Record Low
-18°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires
211
Largest Fire
Wallow (538,051.6 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
Extreme

Watershed

Watershed
Grant Creek
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports
1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score
8/100

Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Conditions change quickly outdoors. These links provide current data for the area around Aker Lake/kp Connector.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: ALPINE 11.0 SSE, AZ US (16.5 mi)

Coordinates: 33.613353, -109.329265

Packing List Star Guide ↑ Top
Aker Lake/kp Connector
Arizona · 2,828 ft · Trails · 33.6134°N, -109.3293°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

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

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