Black Hills Back Country Byway

Show on map 928-348-4400 blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov

Safford Field Office, 711 S. 14th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546

Situated between the Gila River and Guthrie Peak, this route is an expanse full of wildlife and several rest and recreational areas. Exploring the untouched off-road areas of the byway gives visitors the chance to discover remnants of mining efforts while learning about the history of the people who worked on them. Including challenging rugged terrain and scenic vistas, this mountain-side byway offers a glimpse into the routes the pioneers travelled in the old west establishing the American Frontier.

Byway Details

The Black Hills Back Country Byway is located in southern Arizona, 18 miles northeast of Safford and 4 miles south of Clifton. The 21-mile route runs through the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and connects Graham and Greenlee counties, providing plenty of open areas along the byway to view the historic settlements and scenic mountains, canyons, and rugged terrain.

Attractions and Features

Sites to discover unique gemstones (Fire Agate) from the local geology.
Picnic areas overlooking the trails and canyon along the route.
Camping in permitted public areas along the road including several developed sites.
Opportunities to observe wildlife up close, including mule deer, javelina, quail, coyotes, raptors, reptiles, and cottontail rabbits.

Byway Designation

The Black Hills Back Country Byway was designated as a Type II Back Country Byway on May 28, 1992. This designation is in recognition of the scenic, recreational, historic, geological, and wildlife values found along the route. As a Type II byway, this route is designated for high-clearance vehicles that can handle mostly unpaved native soils with gravel surfacing. The byway is managed in a corridor management plan by Graham and Greenlee counties with the assistance of federal, state, and local partners.

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.

Fees

The Black Hills Back Country Byway is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Safford Field Office for more information about special recreation permits for the Black Hills Back Country Byway.

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.