Safford (Arizona)
Understand
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phone: +1 928-428-2511address: 1111 Thatcher Blvd
Get in
The only access is by car. Highway 70 provides access from the northwest from Globe, and from the southeast from Lordsburg, New Mexico. Highway 191
connects Safford with I-10 in the south, a short distance east of Willcox.
Get around
By rental car
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phone: +1 928-428-0955address: 2161 W Hwy 70
See
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phone: +1 928-348-4400Well-preserved remains of a Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps camp, with several buildings remaining. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended; detailed driving instructions are given on the BLM web page.
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Mount Graham International Observatory
phone: +1 928-428-6260address: 1651 W Discovery Park BlvdOperated by the University of Arizona and situated in the Pinaleño Mountains west of Safford, this observatory offers periodic tours for the public. Reservations required, preferably two or more weeks in advance. Tours depart from the Discovery Park Campus.
Do
Festivals and events
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phone: +1 928-428-2511An annual celebration of local Mexican food. Festivities include hot air balloon rides, salsa competitions, a jalapeño-eating competition, and other entertainment.
Outdoor activities
Pinaleño MountainsPart of the Coronado National Forest, this range is crowned by Mount Graham, considered sacred by all the area's Native American tribes. The mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and camping, and provide a cool respite from the heat of the summer. Information and maps are available at the Safford Ranger District Office.
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Safford Ranger District Office
phone: +1 928-428-4150address: 711 14th Ave #D
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation AreaA 23,000-acre preserve managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which contains pre-Columbian cliff dwellings, historic homesteads, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds. This is a popular area for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping. A color brochure and map can be obtained from the Safford Field Office.
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phone: +1 928-348-4400address: 711 14th Ave
Black Hills Rockhound AreaThis area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The most common and valuable gemstone to be found here is fire agate. The area can be tricky to find, a helpful map can be downloaded. BLM advises against the use of passenger cars or travel trailers to access the site. Watch out for rattlesnakes in the warmer months.
Hot springs
The area is home to several hot springs, with water temperatures reaching 106°F/41°C. Visitors can experience hot springs at Roper Lake State Park (see listing above), or at a couple of private spas.-
phone: +1 928-428-9312address: 6074 S Lebanon Loop RdOffers a range of services. Also has accommodation in the form of rustic 'casitas' with shared toilets and showers ($50-$70/night), along with campsites ($15/night).
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phone: +1 928-428-7212address: 1155 W Cactus RdOffers mineral baths, sweat wraps, reflexology and massage treatments.
Buy
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phone: +1 928-428-7990address: 755 S 20th Ave
Eat
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phone: +1 928-428-3170address: 502 S 1st AveOperating since 1951, this is one of the most well-known restaurants in the area.
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La Paloma Restaurant
phone: +1 928-428-2094address: 5183 E Clifton St, SolomonGood Mexican food, popular with locals. -
Los Jilbertos Restaurant
phone: +1 928-428-4887address: 215 E Hwy 70Very popular Mexican restaurant. -
Toni's Kitchen
phone: +1 928-428-4748address: 1922 W Thatcher BlvdGood pizza, salads, and sandwiches.
Grocery stores
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phone: +1 928-428-2771address: 2125 W Hwy 70, ThatcherHas a full-service hot and cold deli, as well as onsite pharmacy.
Sleep
Lodging
Most hotels are distributed along Highway 70 within Safford and neighboring Thatcher, including branches of several national chains.-
phone: +1 928-428-0521address: 1391 West Thatcher BlvedFree breakfast and wi-fi, pets accepted.
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Budget Inn
phone: +1 928-428-7850address: 1215 W Thatcher BlvdClean and basic. Free wi-fi, microwave and fridge, pool. -
Cottage Bed & Breakfast & Bakery
phone: +1 928-428-5118address: 1104 S Central AveNonsmoking, weekly rates available. -
phone: +1 928-428-6900address: 2855 W Hwy 70Nonsmoking, free breakfast and wi-fi.
Camping
thumb|Roper Lake State Park
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phone: +1 928-428-4150Dispersed camping is possible in most areas in the Pinaleños (free), and the Forest Service also maintains seven organized campgrounds, all of which have picnic tables and grills, and toilets. Further information can be obtained online or from the Safford Ranger District Office (listed above).
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phone: +1 928-348-4400address: Gila Box RNCALocated within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, much of this campground is situated on an abandoned fraudulent gold mining area which has since been rehabilitated and returned to a more natural state. Restrooms and potable water available but no showers; no hookups.
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phone: +1 520-586-2283 (reservations)address: 101 E Roper Lake RdHas individual sites for RVs, trailers, and tents, as well as cabins for rent. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance. For the park description see listing above in 'Do'.
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