The sands at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area was a beach surrounding a lake approximately two million years ago.  What remains today offers one of the most unique recreation spots in Arizona.  Where else does the opportunity to ride in sand dunes and soak in relaxing hot tubs exist at the same location?  However, please be considerate of your neighbors who may not be here to participate in the same activity as you.  This is the only way this area will continue to be available to have fun in the sand, sun, and water.

 

Fees collected at the site are returned directly to the site to improve and maintain the access roads, campsites, restroom facilities, hot tubs, picnic areas, and parking areas. We ask everyone to be partners in this effort by paying a few dollars to enjoy the public lands a whole lot more.

 

Permit and fee not required for vehicles in tow. The annual permit must be obtained from the Safford BLM office, 711 14th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, or call (928) 348-4400.

 

Recreation use fees of $3.00 per vehicle per day or an annual permit for $30.00 are collected at this recreation area as part of a congressionally initiated program to generate revenues for improvements and maintenance of Federally-managed recreation sites.

From Safford, travel seven miles east on Highway 70.  Turn right (south) on BLM's Haekel Road and proceed 25 miles to the area.

 

Contact Information:

Bureau of Land Management

Safford Field Office
711 14th Ave
Safford, AZ 85546
928.348.4400

website

A haven for rockhounds and geologists close to Highway 191, between Safford and Clifton.

Black Hills rockhound area is located on the north side of Arizona route 191, between Safford and Clifton, about 18 miles north of Safford.

The Black Hills Back Country Byway is unpaved, but is accessible to high clearance vehicles during dry weather. Portions of the byway have narrow drop-offs or are confined by steep cliffs. Do not attempt the byway if you have a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long. Motor homes and trailers can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end. Please take extra care to drive defensively on this route. Always expect a vehicle around the next bend and remember: mountain courtesy gives uphill traffic the right of way.

The Black Hills Back Country Byway offers 21 miles of back country driving adventure through the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Along the Byway are sweeping views of the Black Hills, Gila Mountains, Mount Graham, and the Gila River Valley. Major attractions seen from the Byway include the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) along the Gila River, the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine at Morenci, a Civilian Conservation Corps work camp, over 100 erosion-control structures, and a historic prison labor camp. Side trips off the Byway provide access to the Gila River and spectacular overlooks of the Gila River Canyon within the NCA.

Contact Information:

Bureau of Land Management

Safford Field Office
711 14th Ave.
Safford, AZ 85546
928.348.4400

A unique ecological treasure that is sacred to the San Carlos Apache. It is the tallest mountain in southern Arizona and encompasses 6 different life zones from the valley floor to its peak at 10,720 ft.

For decades, Apaches, scientists, conservationists, and university students have resisted the University of Arizona's decision to build several large telescopes on the mountain's summit.

Big cattle ranches, rugged mountain ranges and broad grasslands studded with desert plants make this a ride with a true southwestern flavor. The route first climbs to the top of Stockton Pass where you’ll find a picnic area in the midst of a grassy savannah embellished with oak and cactus. The scenery at Stockton Pass and along the route that leads to and from it include some excellent views of the Pinaleños and sweeping panoramas of broad, flat Sulphur Springs Valley, with the Galiuros and the Winchester Mountains jutting up from the valley floor.

From Stockton Pass you can hike into the Pinaleño Mountains along the Shake Trail or continue your drive down into Sulphur Springs Valley to visit the rustic country store at the sleepy little ranching outpost of Bonita. From here you may choose to return by the same way you came or to continue on a loop that completely encircles the Pinaleño Range. You may catch a glimpse of an antelope or golden eagle along this stretch, and you will certainly see more great scenery. Just beyond Bonita, shaggy soaptree yuccas line the roadside creating great foregrounds for views of the Galiuro Range in the distance. Ranch gates and cattle corrals continue as you parallel upper Aravaipa Creek where a 14-mile side trip takes you to another colorful outpost and country store at Klondyke.

The last leg of the trip leads up and over a pass that separates the Pinaleños from the rocky Santa Teresas that should be glowing in the sunset just about the time you go driving by.

Desert scenery Oak/grassland scenery, Panoramic views Winter snowcapped mountains, Picnicking Hiking and horsebacking, History Wildlife viewing.

Located South of Safford inside Coronado Forest.

Contact Information:

Safford Ranger District

711 14th Avenue, Suite D

Safford, AZ 85546

928.428.4150

website

Situated near Aravaipa Creek, this campground is convenient to the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

 

Fourmile Canyon Campground is a year-round area located in Klondyke, just 0.75 mile southwest of the site on Fourmile Canyon Road. This is a 10-unit campground with tables, grills, toilets, water, and trash cans, but no hookups. Daily fees are charged. Camping also is permitted on adjacent public lands with no facilities. Lodging is available in small towns near each end of the wilderness.

Location: Travel 13 miles west of Safford on I-70, and exit at Aravaipa/ Klondyke Road. Turn left & go 32 miles to Klondyke. The campground is in Klondyke, .75 mile southwest of Fourmile Canyon Road.

 

Contact Info:

Bureau of Land Management

Safford Field Office
711 14th Avenue
Safford, AZ  85546
928.348.4400

website