Greer places to stay

Tiny Greer is an outdoor lovers’ paradise heralded for having four perfect seasons. Nestled 8,500 feet high in the majestic White Mountains, it’s hugged by the verdant Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and cleaved by the crystal waters of the Little Colorado River. Spring and summer lure hikers, mountain bikers, and fishers, who linger into fall along with berry pickers, leaf peepers, and birdwatchers. In winter, sparkling blankets of snow tempt both downhill and cross-country skiers. The town throws festive events several times a year with a distinct small-town flavor.

Greer’s elevation saves it from the scorching summers of much of desert Arizona, and you’ll be welcomed by temperatures in the high 70 degrees Fahrenheit during this season. July and August see the most rain year-round, so if you’re staying in one of Greer’s cabins during these months plan for wet weather. Spring is mild, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s Fahrenheit. Winter is chilly but not brutal — temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit aren’t uncommon — so pack for cold weather and snow.

Little Colorado River

The clear waters of the Little Colorado River flow from nearby Mount Baldy, splitting into West and East Forks that meet and flow through Greer on the way to the Grand Canyon. To experience this natural wonder, hop on the East Fork Trail, which unintuitively starts at the river’s West Fork — you’ll take off your shoes and roll up your pants for a quick stride through the water to get on the trail.

You’ll hike through alpine meadows (rife with wildflowers in spring), along a stretch of the babbling East Fork, and through dense, sun-dappled forests before being rewarded with panoramic views. Fishers hoping to snag a few trout also frequent this idyllic river.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Greer is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which climbs the magnificent White Mountains. With over 2 million acres, the forest boasts over 30 lakes and reservoirs, more than 1,000 miles of streams, and an impressive collection of wildlife including elk and bald eagles. Fragrant ponderosa pine and pinyon juniper grow here alongside Douglas fir and spruce. Aspen trees show off in the fall, turning a brilliant golden hue. With almost 1,000 miles of trails, the park is beloved by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers alike, and in the winter, cross-country skiers swish through the hushed landscape. You can find the main trailhead for one of the forests’ best cross-country ski spots, Pole Knoll Recreation Area, in Greer. Feel like doing your exploring with air conditioning? There are plenty of scenic drives to be enjoyed, too.

Butterfly Lodge Museum

This 1913 log cabin was the retreat and hunting lodge of author, fur trader, and historian James Willard Schultz, and later his son, Hart Merriam Schultz, a painter and sculptor who depicted the American West. The five-and-a-half-room structure retains many of its original features, including an ornate fireplace decorated with buffalo carvings, and has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.