Greer
Quaint town ∙ Great views ∙ Nearby hiking & skiing
Recommended Stay: 2 to 4 days
Distance from Phoenix Wandervans: 215 miles (~3.75 hours)
Why Greer?
Greer is a quaint little town in the White Mountains of Arizona. The drive to Greer is surrounded by rolling hills with sharp mountains in the distance, patches of trees dotting the surrounding areas with dirt roads leading to hidden valleys and creeks. Antelope, rabbits, and birds dot the landscape randomly, with regular snow fences evidence of the high wind and snowy conditions that sometimes sweep through the open areas.
As you approach Greer, the winding trail of trees along the creek gets closer to the road, promising fresh areas to explore. Picturesque cabins with meadow and mountain views pop up along both sides of the road. Once in Greer, stop at the Rendezvous Diner for a great lunch and homemade slice of pie! The road winds through town past a row of hotels, cabins, and small event venues. Finally, you arrive at the end of the paved road and on to a dirt road to reach the creek. Hang out for a nice picnic or trail walk, drink in the sound of birds singing and the trickling sound of the creek.
Hiking Trail Suggestions
Thompson Trail – Distance 10.8 miles round trip. 1.5-2 hours. Easy/moderate difficulty. Check out sloping meadows as you explore along the creek, summer brings fish and year round wildlife in the meadows and old world forest. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/thompson-trail-629--2
Mount Baldy Trail No. 94, West Fork – Distance 7 miles to summit, 14 miles round trip. 6-8 hours. Moderate difficulty. Check out gorgeous views along the way, follow the Little Colorado River, and explore old world forest. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/mount-baldy-via-west-baldy-trail-94
Squirrel Springs Trail – Distance 3.5-14.3 miles, depending on how many connecting trails you explore. 1.5-6 hours. Easy to moderate difficulty. Check out 8 trails that connect through lower elevation terrain and aspen trees, great for hiking and cross-country skiing explorations. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/squirrel-springs-ponderosa-loop
Camping
Mountain Aire RV Park in Greer
Rolfe C Hoyer Campground near Greer lakes, just outside town of Greer
Dispersed camping in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (Springville Ranger District). FR 117 is a popular area for camping with great views.
Other Sights
The Rendezvous Diner and Molly Butler Restaurant have great eats when you are in town!
Drive all the way through Greer to the dirt road to discover the creek at East Fork Trailhead and Government Springs Trailhead.
Pole Knoll Recreation Area nearby has year round potential for outdoor activities – Winter brings some of the best cross-country skiing in the White Mountains, Spring brings wildflowers and wildlife, Summer has green grass and great temperatures, Fall brings striking aspen leaf colors mixed with ponderosa pines.
Big Lake Recreation Area is a large meadow lake with campgrounds, hikes, and picnic areas scattered around the lake. Explore for a couple days or a quick stop!