The Bear Springs Badlands area contains fossil sites and fascinating geologic
formations.

<p>The Bear Springs Badlands area contains fossil sites and fascinating geologic formations.</p>

Bird's eye view of the park

Bear Springs Badlands

Bird's eye view of the campground

Cabins

Cottonwood Campground

Gila Campground

Gila Loop

Hacienda Campground

Roper Lake

Take a trip back in time and see how the Mogollon people became successful
farmers in southeastern Arizona, the Paleo-Indian (Clovis culture) hunters use
stone-tipped spears and Cochise people hunt and gather throughout the year.

<p>Take a trip back in time and see how the Mogollon people became successful farmers in southeastern Arizona, the Paleo-Indian (Clovis culture) hunters use stone-tipped spears and Cochise people hunt and gather throughout the year.</p>

Dankworth Village

The Safford-Morenci Trail is 18 miles long one way, with an elevation range of
3,700 to 6,200 feet. It winds through the rugged canyons of the Gila Mountains
and Turtle Mountain.

With the exception of Bonita Creek, streams and springs are scarce along the
route. Follow bear and mountain lion country precautions as these animals are
becoming more common along Bonita Creek. The creek's clear, cool water is
inviting for a soak, but must be treated before drinking due to human, cattle,
and wildlife activity upstream.

Carry plenty of drinking water with you. Few people travel this remote route,
and it remains difficult to follow because it crosses land of mixed ownership.
You will need topo maps and a compass to hike this moderate to difficult
trail.

The best time to hike is fall through the spring months because there is
little water and shade. Snow is possible in the high elevations during the
winter months.

Visit recreation sites within or nearby the Gila Box Riparian National
Conservation Area:

  * Riverview Campground

  * Owl Creek Campground

  * Dry Canyon Picnic Area

  * Spring Canyon Picnic Area

  * Lee Trail Picnic Area

  * Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site

  * Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area

  * Flying W Group Day Use Area

  * Canyon Overlook Picnic Area

  * Gila River Boat Put-In

  * Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area

<p>The Safford-Morenci Trail is 18 miles long one way, with an elevation range of 3,700 to 6,200 feet. It winds through the rugged canyons of the Gila Mountains and Turtle Mountain.</p><p>With the exception of Bonita Creek, streams and springs are scarce along the route. Follow bear and mountain lion country precautions as these animals are becoming more common along Bonita Creek. The creek's clear, cool water is inviting for a soak, but must be treated before drinking due to human, cattle, and wildlife activity upstream. </p><p>Carry plenty of drinking water with you. Few people travel this remote route, and it remains difficult to follow because it crosses land of mixed ownership. You will need topo maps and a compass to hike this moderate to difficult trail. </p><p>The best time to hike is fall through the spring months because there is little water and shade. Snow is possible in the high elevations during the winter months.</p><p>Visit recreation sites within or nearby the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area:</p><div><div><ul><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/riverview-campground" title="Riverview Campground" rel="nofollow">Riverview Campground</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/owl-creek-campground" title="Owl Creek Campground" rel="nofollow">Owl Creek Campground</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/dry-canyon-picnic-area" title="Dry Canyon Picnic Area" rel="nofollow">Dry Canyon Picnic Area</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/spring-canyon-picnic-area" title="Spring Canyon Picnic Area" rel="nofollow">Spring Canyon Picnic Area</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lee-trailheadpicnic-area" title="Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area" rel="nofollow">Lee Trail Picnic Area</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/serna-cabin-picnic-area-historical-site" rel="nofollow">Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonita-creek-watchable-wildlife-viewing-area" title="Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area" rel="nofollow">Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/flying-w-group-day-use-area" title="Flying W Group Day Use Area" rel="nofollow">Flying W Group Day Use Area</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/canyon-overlook-picnic-area" title="Canyon Overlook Picnic Area" rel="nofollow">Canyon Overlook Picnic Area</a></div></li><li><div><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/gila-river-boat-put-in" title="Gila River Boat Put-In" rel="nofollow">Gila River Boat Put-In</a></div></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/old-safford-bridge-picnic-area" title="Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area" rel="nofollow">Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area</a></li></ul></div></div>

A recreation permit is needed for crossing Arizona state trust land one mile
southwest of the East Trailhead. Permits are available by mail or in person at
the Arizona State Land Office in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff, and from the
Arizona Public Lands Information Center in Phoenix.

A San Carlos Apache Tribal recreation permit should be obtained if you wish to
cross the short section of the trail that passes through the reservation in T.
4 S., R. 28 E. Permits are available from the Tribal Recreation and Wildlife
Department in Peridot, or from convenience stores in Safford and Pima.

Safford-Morenci Trail

The 23,000-acre Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area includes four
perennial waterways, the Gila and San Francisco rivers and Bonita and Eagle
creeks. This region is a very special riparian ecosystem abounding with plant
and animal diversity. A canyon section, known as the Gila Box, is composed of
patchy mesquite woodlands, mature cottonwoods, and sandy beaches. Impressive
Gila Conglomerate cliffs tower more than 1,000 feet above the Gila River, and
bighorn sheep are commonly spotted. Bonita Creek, a key tributary of the Gila
River, is lined with large cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows.

Lower water affords hikers the opportunity to safely enjoy the scenic canyon.
Numerous prehistoric and historical structures can be viewed. A network of
primitive roads provides hours of backcountry adventure for four-wheel-drive
and mountain bike trekkers.

The Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area provides a bird’s-eye view of
the riparian canyon below, with over 100 species of birds recorded here. It is
accessible and has numerous interpretive displays and shade shelters.

A homestead cabin, rock art and cliff dwellings, show evidence of the
occupation of this important perennial stream by earlier inhabitants. The
perennial creek and riparian vegetation make the NCA a year-round desert
oasis.

Hot springs, river rafting, birdwatching, and miles of trails make this
National Conservation Area popular among those in the know.

<p>The 23,000-acre Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area includes four perennial waterways, the Gila and San Francisco rivers and Bonita and Eagle creeks. This region is a very special riparian ecosystem abounding with plant and animal diversity. A canyon section, known as the Gila Box, is composed of patchy mesquite woodlands, mature cottonwoods, and sandy beaches. Impressive Gila Conglomerate cliffs tower more than 1,000 feet above the Gila River, and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted. Bonita Creek, a key tributary of the Gila River, is lined with large cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows. </p>

<p>Lower water affords hikers the opportunity to safely enjoy the scenic canyon. Numerous prehistoric and historical structures can be viewed. A network of primitive roads provides hours of backcountry adventure for four-wheel-drive and mountain bike trekkers.</p>

<p>The Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area provides a bird’s-eye view of the riparian canyon below, with over 100 species of birds recorded here. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonita-creek-watchable-wildlife-viewing-area" rel="nofollow">I</a>t is accessible and has numerous interpretive displays and shade shelters.</p>

<p>A <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/serna-cabin-picnic-area-historical-site" rel="nofollow">homestead cabin</a>, rock art and cliff dwellings, show evidence of the occupation of this important perennial stream by earlier inhabitants. The perennial creek and riparian vegetation make the NCA a year-round desert oasis.</p>

<p>Hot springs, river rafting, birdwatching, and miles of trails make this National Conservation Area popular among those in the know.</p>

Fees are charged at Riverview Campground and Owl Creek Campground.

A large color brochure with map is available free from the Safford Field
Office.

Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

As you travel the 21-mile-long Black Hills Back Country Byway, try to imagine
the first travelers on this road...rugged pioneers who lived close to land.
Today, we can embrace the romance of the Old West as we travel this same
route. Let the Black Hills Back Country Byway take you on a journey back in
time to learn the lessons of these people and the riches from the earth they
loved.  
  
Many primitive side roads provide opportunities for off-highway vehicle
driving, and a challenging ride for the experienced mountain bicycler.

Rock collectors can visit the nearby **Black Hills Rockhound Area**, while
interesting rock formations along the road can be studied and photographed.
Hiking alongside roads, trails, or cross-country can be rewarded with scenic
vistas of the Gila Box or close-up views of the area's plentiful wildlife.

Camping and picnicking are permitted on public lands along the road, with
several developed sites available. Midway on the byway, the **Canyon Overlook
Picnic Area** provides shaded ramadas with a scenic vista of the Gila River
canyon. Closer to the east end of the byway is the **Owl Creek Campground**
with seven units perched on a cliff overlooking the historic Old Safford
Bridge. The south end of the bridge is a popular launch site for those
floating the Gila River and for fishing for catfish. The north end of the
bridge has a small picnic area. Mule deer, javelina, and quail can be hunted
on public lands along the byway.  
  
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. If you choose to be more adventurous and travel some of the side
routes, remember all of these single lane roads require a four-wheel-drive
vehicle. These roads are not maintained, and portions can be steep, rough, and
rocky. Washes crossing these routes tend to make it difficult to tell where
the road is at all times.

<p>As you travel the 21-mile-long Black Hills Back Country Byway, try to imagine the first travelers on this road...rugged pioneers who lived close to land. Today, we can embrace the romance of the Old West as we travel this same route. Let the Black Hills Back Country Byway take you on a journey back in time to learn the lessons of these people and the riches from the earth they loved.<br><br>Many primitive side roads provide opportunities for off-highway vehicle driving, and a challenging ride for the experienced mountain bicycler. </p><p>Rock collectors can visit the nearby <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/274360/1" rel="nofollow"><strong>Black Hills Rockhound Area</strong></a>, while interesting rock formations along the road can be studied and photographed. Hiking alongside roads, trails, or cross-country can be rewarded with scenic vistas of the Gila Box or close-up views of the area's plentiful wildlife. </p><p>Camping and picnicking are permitted on public lands along the road, with several developed sites available. Midway on the byway, the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/canyon-overlook-picnic-area" rel="nofollow"><strong>Canyon Overlook Picnic Area</strong></a> provides shaded ramadas with a scenic vista of the Gila River canyon. Closer to the east end of the byway is the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/owl-creek-campground" rel="nofollow"><strong>Owl Creek Campground</strong></a> with seven units perched on a cliff overlooking the historic Old Safford Bridge. The south end of the bridge is a popular launch site for those floating the Gila River and for fishing for catfish. The north end of the bridge has a small picnic area. Mule deer, javelina, and quail can be hunted on public lands along the byway.<br><br>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. If you choose to be more adventurous and travel some of the side routes, remember all of these single lane roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These roads are not maintained, and portions can be steep, rough, and rocky. Washes crossing these routes tend to make it difficult to tell where the road is at all times.</p>

Bear Springs Badlands

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Roper Lake

Dankworth Village

Safford-Morenci Trail

Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Black Hills Back Country Byway