Upper Pinal Campground
This is a very unique “limited Services” campground at approximately 6,200 feet on Pinal Mountain. The campground is surrounded by old growth forest, oak, pine and hackberry trees plus grasses and wildflowers in season. There are several looping trails off the campground the best is from the most Eastern campsite. This rich and robust habitat is good for birding all year round but most enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall. Good site for resident and migrating montane birds.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Pinal
Directions: The site requires navigation on a winding mountain road that is usually passable by car but can be slippery with possible washouts during heavy rains. From Globe, the accessing road names will change several times. A GPS or cell phone will be helpful in making the correct turns. There are 3-4 other campgrounds on your way that are good for taking a break and doing some birding. The Upper Pinal Campground has three designated campsites suitable for tents, small trailers and RV's. It includes handicapped restroom. No water. Please pack out your trash.
Latitude: 33.287821
Longitude: -110.830319
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Spring, summer and fall.
Habitats: Grassland, Mixed Conifer-Aspen Forest, Pine-oak Forest
Know Before You Go
There are very limited services once leaving Globe. For safety and convenience, make sure you have a full tank of gas and supplies you might need. Rangers do patrol the roads regarily. Also maintenance crews for the communications towers on Pinal Peak..
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Black-throated Gray Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Olive Warbler, Red-faced Warbler
Charismatic: Lesser Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Summer Tanager
Contact Information
Tonto National Forest
US Forest Service
2324 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602-225-5200
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=35349&actid=29
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L258440
