Photo: Outdoor Craziness / CC BY-SA 3.0

Campgrounds 9,078 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Upper Hospital Flat is a great place for groups to escape the summer heat of surrounding deserts and retreat to a scenic meadow in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The area is known for camping, scenic driving, picnicking, birding, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking and history. In the 1880s, the campground served as the site for a field hospital for ailing soldiers from nearby Fort Grant, hence its name. The restorative powers of this cool, high-elevation location also attracted officers and their families seeking a summer refuge from desert heat. Today, Hospital Flat serves as popular getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and campers. Recreation The campground lies along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive, which takes visitors from the Sonoran Desert at 2,900 feet to alpine meadows and forest on the 9,000+ foot ridges of the Pinaleño Range. Because of its diverse habitat, the area is well-known for birding and wildlife watching. Nearby Hospital Flat Campground includes a 0.75-mile nature trail that gives interpretive information about the meadow and its plant and animal inhabitants. The Swift Trail also provides access to a number of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails, along with several other campgrounds that invite you for an afternoon picnic. A trip up to Rigg’s Lake, stocked with trout by Arizona Game & Fish, or to the Columbine Visitors Center could make a worth-while day trip as well. Facilities Upper Hospital Flat can accommodate a group of up to 50 people. Several first-come, first-served individual sites are located nearby in the Hospital Flat Campground (must pay separately). The group site is equipped with a picnic table, parking area and campfire ring with a grill. Dead-and-down firewood may be collected in and around the campsite. Note: There are no toilets on site. One portable/self-contained toilet is required for every 15 people. The road leading into the group site is mainly suitable for higher-clearance vehicles. Natural Features The campground sits along Big Creek in a mixed conifer forest, adjacent to a meadow that comes to life with wildflower blooms in late summer. The 9,000-ft. elevation offers pleasant summer temperatures. 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 The Mount Graham Wilderness Study Area, which includes the 10,720-foot Mount Graham, the tallest mountain in southern Arizona. Columbine Visitors Center, Riggs Lake, and a variety of trails can be accessed along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive. The town of Safford is approximately a 1 hour drive from the Hospital Flat campground, heading north on SR 191. 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 Thatcher, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

Don't underpack for Upper Hospital Flat Group Site. The conditions here — Desert, Temperate — call for thoughtful gear choices.

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.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
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 Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

Activity options at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site range from casual () to more demanding ().

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

Activities

backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
birdwatching — Quiet observation often leads to rewarding encounters.
camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
horseback_riding — Guided rides are available in many parks and recreation areas.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
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.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
scuba_diving — Certification and proper equipment are required for safety.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
snorkeling — Calm conditions and good visibility enhance the experience.
stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
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: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

Responsible visitors at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site should be aware of 1 wildlife-related considerations.

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

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Elevated (9,078ft)
Remote (138mi from city)

Altitude risk: moderate

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (33N), High elevation (9,078ft), Desert (exposed))

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.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Arizona Coral Snake

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 Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

From towering to delicate purple owl's-clover, the vegetation here creates habitat for 3 mammal species and 30 birds.

Wildflowers (1)

purple owl's-clover — Showy clusters blending bracts and small flowers.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Engelmann's hedgehog cactus is a low, clumping barrel cactus with cylindrical stems covered in dense radial spines. Flowers are large and showy, typically magenta to pink, blooming in late spring.
Black-spined Pricklypear — Black-spined pricklypear has flat oval pads covered in dark spines.

Other Plants (5)

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

Mammals (3)

Coyote — Lean, agile build.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit — Lean body built for speed.
American Black Bear — Adults typically weigh 150–600 pounds depending on region and sex.

Birds (30)

Ruddy Duck — Stiff upright tail
Rock Pigeon — Dark charcoal form with iridescent neck
Ring-necked Duck — Subtle chestnut neck ring rarely visible
Gambel's Quail — Forward-curving head plume
Neotropic Cormorant — Yellow facial skin

Reptiles (10)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.
Gila Monster — Usually 18–24 inches long.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.
Regal Horned Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.

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 Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), 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

Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham Climate & Sun

The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Upper Hospital Flat Group Site.

Reference climate data for planning your visit to Upper Hospital Flat Group Site — temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 46.2°F

Annual precipitation: 34.4 in

With an average annual temperature of 46.2°F and 34.4 inches of precipitation, Upper Hospital Flat Group Site has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 61°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun. Consider avoiding: Jul, Aug.

Winter 33°

2.9"

Spring 42°

1.1"

Summer 61°

5.6"

Fall 48°

2.5"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	33°F	2.9 in
Feb	33°F	3.1 in
Mar	37°F	2.8 in
Apr	42°F	1.1 in
May	50°F	0.9 in
Jun	59°F	0.7 in
Jul	61°F	5.6 in
Aug	60°F	6.0 in
Sep	56°F	3.2 in
Oct	48°F	2.5 in
Nov	41°F	2.5 in
Dec	33°F	3.1 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:28 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 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:28 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

Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham Trip Planning & Access

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

Here are the logistics for getting to Upper Hospital Flat Group Site and what to expect on arrival.

Nearest city: Phoenix (138 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $34.59 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 111.8 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 (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

Close-by alternatives and additions to your Upper Hospital Flat Group Site visit include these 8 destinations.

Nearby Campgrounds

Hospital Flat Campground, Graham 0.08 mi
Treasure Park - East Campground, Graham 0.3 mi
Cunningham Campground, Graham 1.31 mi
Snow Flat Cg Campground, Graham 1.51 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

The darkness at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site is rated Bortle class 2, offering Typical truly dark site conditions year-round.

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 Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

The experience at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site shifts with the seasons. Here's a month-by-month overview.

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 Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham

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

Before trails were marked here, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) knew this land intimately.

Territories

Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache)

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include White Mountain.

White Mountain

Data from Native Land Digital

Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Upper Hospital Flat Group Site 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: Early Proterozoic metamorphic rocks
Lithology: Major:{metasedimentary,metavolcanic,gneiss}
Age: Statherian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 14
Unique Species: 14
Oldest: 4.7 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 46
Richness: High
Minerals Found: Fluorine-Fluorite, Gold, Silver, Barium-Barite, Manganese, Clay, Beryllium, Copper

Endangered Species

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

Temperature Records

Record High: 112°F (1902-06-24)
Record Low: -14°F (2011-02-03)

Wildfire History

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

Recorded Fires: 30
Largest Fire: Frye (48,443 acres)
Most Recent: 9999
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Upper Cottonwood Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 1 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 4 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 42/100

Upper Hospital Flat Group Site (N, 0mi), Graham Safety & Conditions

Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.

Before any visit to Upper Hospital Flat Group Site, a quick check of these official sources can prevent surprises.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: SAFFORD 9.9 S, AZ US (9.65 mi)