Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area - Safford, Arizona
RV camping and boondocking on BLM land near the Gila River and exploring Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area near Safford, Arizona. While hiking along the bank of the Gila River I encountered a Gila monster for the first time. The Gila Box is a picturesque canyon lined with Fremont cottonwood, Goodding’s willow, and Arizona sycamore trees. The inviting clear cool waters of the Gila River are popular for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, swimming, wading, and fishing.
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Hiking the Gila Box River Trail, Graham County, Arizona
Hiking the river trail in the Gila Box, or at least I thought I was. It quickly became obvious there was no trail, just a lot of brush and deep, strong, water. Not at all like Aravaipa Canyon! The Gila Box is just east of Safford, AZ, in Graham County. The Gila River runs from eastern Arizona, all the way across the state to the Colorado River -- or would if Phoenix did not suck it dry.
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... Rural Stride, Josh Kirsch
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) contains nearly 57,000 acres of public land in Cochise County, Arizona, between the international border and St. David, Arizona. The riparian area, where some 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River meanders, was designated by Congress as a Riparian National Conservation Area on November 18, 1988. The primary purpose for the special designation is to protect and enhance the desert riparian ecosystem, a rare remnant of what was once an extensive network of similar riparian systems throughout the American Southwest. One of the most important riparian areas in the United States, the San Pedro River runs through the Chihuahuan Desert and the Sonoran Desert in southeastern Arizona. The river’s stretch is home to more than 80 species of mammals, two native species and several introduced species of fish, more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 100 species of breeding birds. It also provides invaluable habitat for 250 species of migrant and wintering birds and contains archaeological sites representing the remains of human occupation from 13,000 years ago. The area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing including birdwatching, picnicking, primitive camping, pre-historic and historic site visiting, hunting, hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, guided hikes, interpretive site visitation, and weekend children’s programs. Parking, interpretive kiosks and trailheads are located at Fairbank, Murry Springs, San Pedro House, Land Corral, Terrenate, Millville and Hereford Bridge. Parking and trailheads are also available at Hereford Road, Charleston Road, Palominas, Terrenate, Escapule and Lehner. The Friends of the San Pedro lead regularly scheduled guided walks.
Video produced by: Jayson Barangan, BLM Arizona
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Camping on Mt. Graham, Safford, AZ - Coronado National Forest
Just a few miles south of Safford, AZ off U.S. Rt. 191, take State Rt. 366 up the 9,000 ft. plus Mt. Graham for a delightful, scenic drive. Make it a day trip or camp in one of the six Coronado National Forest campgrounds. Got a large RV, stay at Roper Lake State Park.
Gila Monster! Live & Up Close - Gila River, Arizona
Live footage of a Gila monster along the Gila River in early June at Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area near Safford, Arizona. While hiking along the bank of the Gila River I suddenly came face to face with a Gila monster. Fun fact: The Gila monster is one of only 2 poisonous lizards in the whole world. Of course that fact won’t be so fun if you happen to be bitten by one. Luckily this monster didn’t have the appetite to eat me alive, and I escaped without a scratch.
Visit us at for articles and videos on scenic wilderness camping areas, and for tips on RV boondocking and off-grid living.
Mt. Graham-Safford, AZ
Travel video to Mt. Graham
San Pedro Riparian
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (San Pedro Riparian NCA) contains nearly 57,000 acres (23,000 ha) of public land in Cochise County, Arizona, between the international border with Mexico and St. David, Arizona. The riparian area, where some 40 miles (64 km) of the upper San Pedro River meanders, was designated by Congress as a Riparian National Conservation Area on November 18, 1988.
One of the most important riparian areas in the United States, the San Pedro River runs through the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert transition zone in southeastern Arizona. The river's stretch in the southern San Pedro Valley is home to 84 species of mammals, 14 species of fish, 41 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 100 species of breeding birds. It also provides invaluable habitat for 250 species of migrant and wintering birds and contains archaeological sites representing the remains of human occupation from 13,000 years ago.
In addition to protecting the San Pedro River's rare ecosystem for future generations, the BLM also works to stabilize and preserve several historic buildings and structures located throughout much of the San Pedro Riparian NCA, including those of the Fairbank Historic Townsite, the Little Boquillas Ranch and the San Pedro House. The San Pedro House is located along the river to the east of Sierra Vista and is a fully restored historic ranch house dating to the 1930s. It is now used as a visitor center and bookstore for the San Pedro Riparian NCA.
US 191 Devil's Highway From Safford to Clifton AZ
This is the first video of several going North on US 191 aka The Devil's Highway. This first part starts in Safford and pulls into Clifton AZ
Day 13 of 28, about 20 miles south of Safford, AZ
Day 13 0f 28, about 20 miles or so south of Safford, Arizona, on our Mexico-to-Canada trip, leg 1. Passing through greasewoods and cholla cactus. Luckily, we found a decent dirt road heading our direction.
Gila River AZ Boondocking-May 2017
Found a nice spot on the Gila River about 6 miles east of Safford AZ. Was only going to stay over night, but ended up staying 5 days. Good 3-4 bar ATT LTE cell. Was a bit leery camping at a local hang out close to town, but had no problem. Van load of kids, (maybe day care?) stopped by for a swim the first day, so that was about it for busyness. Sheriff stopped by the last night and checked me out and said it was fine camping here. He did say this area can get rowdy on weekends after school lets out for the summer. Day time temps ranged from the 60's-90's, so I made good use of the 150 ft. shower on those warm days........ ????????
Walmart/Safford Az
Rodents in the store/Contaminated food
YouTube Mount Graham Streams
McNary tunnel Safford ,AZ
tunnel dug by McNary
Economy Inn Safford - Safford (Arizona), USA - Awesome place!
Economy Inn Safford - Special price! -
Offering an outdoor pool, Economy Inn Safford is 10 minutes’ drive from Eastern Arizona College. Free WiFi access is available. Parking for over-sized vehicles is provided
A cable TV, a microwave and a small refrigerator are featured in each air-conditioned guest room at Economy Inn Stafford. An en suite bathroom is also included.
A guest launderette is available at Stafford Economy Inn.
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is 50 minutes’ drive from the inn. Roper Lake State Park is 6 miles from Economy Inn Stafford.
Roper Lake State Park Safford Arizona
After a long day of driving or hiking, the natural hot springs at Roper Lake State Park are inviting and invigorating. Enjoy desert vegetation, an accessible fishing dock, and stunning views of Mount Graham. Roper Lake is stocked with Largemouth bass and Rainbow trout;
GILA HOTSPRINGS CAMPGROUND New Mexico
there is another campground exit before the Gila Hotsprings and it is free and is called grapevine campground. We chose this one because they have hotsprings so we can bathe. The price is $8 per person. When you enter the place you will see aninals like horses, goats, etc... then further down the road you will see the hotsprings... there are no one there to pay so it is a dropbox thing is how you pay... dont cheat cuz the host will check the box later on the day and meet you. The host was nice enough not to charge my 2 toddler. You cannot use shampoo inside the hotspring pool...just dip and relax. The water really warm. There are no bathroom just outhouse and it really stinks... it is clean though...better than the grapevine campground outhouse. We saw some garter snake...scared me cuz it popped out of the woods. We also saw lots of baby frogs going to the outhouse... we also so tadpoles..lots of them in the little river. There arr lots of bugs so be sure to bring bug spray ..it helps. we stayed at spot number3 which i think is the best cuz it has an access to the lake if you see from the video.. very easy..its not too steep... we have a firepit and cleaner than others. I am also posting on my other video what it looks like as you enter onto the Gila Hotsprings Campground property... thanks for watching my video!!!!
Safford Prison with Jon Ritzheimer
Jon Ritzheimer turning himself in to Safford Prison in Arizona.
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Driving around Safford/Thatcher/Pima Arizona - Amanda & Chris' Arizona Adventures. Part 1
Part 1 of our little drive around our area of Arizona today. Went to pick up a dirt bike for Chris. Had to go to his dad's in Pima. This is from highway 191 south of Safford to Safeway in Thatcher Arizona. Enjoy!
Round the Mountain Trail near Safford, Arizona
Nice technical section of trail. There is over 1 mile of this rocky stuff toward the bottom of trail near the Round the Mountain campground in the Coronado National Forest off of hwy 366 near Safford, AZ. There are also some smoother areas near the top of this mountain trail.