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Black Hills Back Country Byway

Embark on a 21-mile journey through the rugged heart of the Old West along the Black Hills Back Country Byway. As you travel, imagine the grit and spirit of the pioneers who once carved their way through this untamed land. They lived close to nature, faced formidable challenges, and helped shape the legacy of the American frontier.

Today, you can follow in their footsteps. This is a Type II byway, designed for high-clearance vehicles. The road is unpaved, made mostly of native soil with stretches of gravel surfacing. While it’s rugged, it’s navigable with a two-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle — no extreme gear required.

Primitive side roads offer exciting terrain for off-highway vehicles and experienced mountain bikers. History buffs will uncover remnants of old mining operations and 1930s erosion control projects by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Rockhounds can head to the nearby Black Hills Rockhound Area to hunt for fire agates, while unique rock formations along the route invite exploration and photography. Whether you're hiking trails, wandering cross-country, or simply pausing roadside, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and encounters with the region’s abundant 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 and barbecue grills 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 are just some of the species that can be hunted on public lands along the byway.

Hours and Seasons

The byway is open all year.

Features and Services

Access and Parking: The byway is an unpaved route best suited for high-clearance vehicles, especially during wet weather. While the drive offers stunning views, some sections feature narrow drop-offs and steep cliffside passages — so caution is essential. Important: Vehicles over 20 feet in length, including travel trailers and motorhomes, should not attempt this route. Convenient parking areas are available near kiosks at both ends of the byway for larger vehicles. Drive with care and stay alert—always expect another vehicle around the next bend. And remember, mountain driving etiquette gives uphill traffic the right of way. Side routes off the main byway offer rugged exploration, but they’re single-lane, unmaintained roads that require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These paths can be steep, rocky, and rough, with washes that may obscure the road entirely. Navigation can be tricky, so be prepared and travel smart.

Drinking Water: There is no potable water along the byway.

Toilets: The only toilets along the route are found at the Gila River Boat Put In, located near the northern end. Owl Creek Campground also has a restroom but is only available to paying users of the fee site.

Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone and internet reception is spotty, especially in the more mountainous sections of the road.

Pets: Service animals are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Other non-service pets must be under the physical control of their owners at all times.

Safety and Conditions

You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. There is no first aid available on-site.

Please take care of yourself and the environment.

Check weather and road conditions ahead of time

Bring area-specific maps and route descriptions

Carry plenty of water

Bring adequate fuel

Carry a spare tire, jack, tools, shovel, blanket, etc.

Remember that signing is not for target practice

Watch for cattle on or near the road

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Directions

The Black Hills Back Country Byway is located between Safford and Clifton in southeastern Arizona, about three hours northeast of Tucson or 3 1/2 hours east of Phoenix. Both ends of the byway are accessed from U.S. Highway 191. The southern end is at milepost 139, the northern end at milepost 160. Vehicles over 20 feet in length, including travel trailers and motorhomes, should not attempt this byway. Convenient parking areas are available near kiosks at both ends of the byway for larger vehicles. Drive with care and stay alert — always expect another vehicle around the next bend. And remember, mountain driving etiquette gives uphill traffic the right of way. Side routes off the main byway offer rugged exploration, but they’re single-lane, unmaintained roads that require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These paths can be steep, rocky, and rough, with washes that may obscure the road entirely. Navigation can be tricky, so be prepared and travel smart. Check with the Safford Field Office for up-to-date road conditions.

Stay Limit

Camping and picnicking are permitted on public lands along the road, with several developed sites available. The stay limit for dispersed or developed camping is 14 days within any 28-day period within a 25-mile radius of your campsite.

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Black Hills Back Country Byway

Hours and Seasons

Features and Services

Safety and Conditions

Directions

Stay Limit

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Nearby Parks

Canyon Overlook Picnic Area

Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area

Safford-Morenci Trail

Roper Lake

Dankworth Village