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

Fishing 9,019 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Aker Lake in Arizona features cool 45°F average temps, summer and fall fishing, with 7 mammal species near Blue.

Near Blue, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Aker Lake, Greenlee

Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.

A well-prepared pack for Aker Lake covers 4 categories: essential, wildlife gear, climate gear, terrain gear.

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

SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.
Extra hydration — Above treeline, there are no shade breaks; continuous sun exposure and wind accelerate water loss.
Slow acclimatization advice — Symptoms like headache and nausea at altitude are warning signs, not inconveniences; descending 1,000 feet often resolves them quickly.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Aker Lake, Greenlee

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

The mix of Forest terrain and Alpine conditions here supports everything from boating, fishing, picnicking.

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.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.

Wildlife Safety at Aker Lake, Greenlee

Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.

The danger score of 35/10 at Aker Lake accounts for Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Elevated (9,019ft), Remote (158mi from city) in the area.

Danger rating: 35/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Elevated (9,019ft)
Remote (158mi from city)

Altitude risk: moderate

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (34N), High elevation (9,019ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

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, Greenlee

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

The ecosystem around Aker Lake is defined by its Forest landscape, supporting everything from Gambel Oak and Southwestern Ponderosa Pine to Wild Turkey and Canada Goose.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — It often grows in dense thickets, spreading by underground sprouts to form large colonies.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures.

Wildflowers (6)

upright prairie coneflower — Distinct elongated brown cone above reflexed petals.
Woods' rose — Red rose hips forming after flowering.
golden columbine — Lantern-like blooms adapted to hummingbird pollination.
manyflowered gromwell — Low clumping plant with narrow foliage.
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 — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
Bighorn Sheep — Sure-footed build adapted to steep cliffs.
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs.
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Bushy tail and alert posture.

Birds (11)

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

Reptiles (5)

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

Amphibians (3)

Arizona Tree Frog
Western Tiger Salamander
Arizona Toad

Insects (12)

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

Fungi (6)

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

Other Wildlife (1)

Speckled Dace

Nature Bingo at Aker Lake, Greenlee

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

Wildlife Challenge

Western Bluebird (bird)
Wapiti (mammal)
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (reptile)
Arizona Tree Frog (amphibian)
western blue flag (plant)

Botany Challenge

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

Aker Lake, Greenlee Climate & Sun

The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Aker Lake.

Month-by-month temperatures at Aker Lake range from °F to °F.

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 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.

Winter 30°

3.1"

Spring 41°

1.1"

Summer 61°

4.2"

Fall 46°

2.0"

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, Greenlee Trip Planning & Access

Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.

Access to Aker Lake is primarily via Phoenix, 158 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (158 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $39.46 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 127.5 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
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Aker Lake, Greenlee

Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.

The region around Aker Lake is rich with options — 14 nearby destinations are worth exploring.

Nearby Trails

Aker Lake/kp Connector, Greenlee 0.72 mi
Kp Rim Trail, Greenlee 0.72 mi
North Fork Kp Trail, Greenlee 0.72 mi
Horseshoe Cienega Trail, Greenlee 1.69 mi
Aker Lake Trail, Greenlee 1.73 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Hannagan Cg Campground, Greenlee 1.49 mi
Kp Cienega Cg Campground, Greenlee 2.95 mi
Strayhorse Cg Campground, Greenlee 4.79 mi
Caldwell Cabin Campground, Apache 9.08 mi
Horse Springs Cg Campground, Apache 11.77 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Aker Lake, Greenlee

Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.

Light pollution at Aker Lake is Typical truly dark site (Bortle 2), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

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

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.

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 — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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 — 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 Aker Lake, Greenlee

What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.

Seasonal changes at Aker Lake 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 Aker Lake, Greenlee

The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.

We acknowledge that Aker Lake 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.

White Mountain

Data from Native Land Digital

Aker Lake, Greenlee Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Aker Lake 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, 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 Aker Lake.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: ALPINE 11.0 SSE, AZ US (17.02 mi)