Overview
Safford is a mining town in the Mogollon Rim in Eastern Arizona. Freeport-McMoRan is the largest area employer. For visitors the primary interest is in the numerous recreational opportunities nearby, as well as the annual Salsa Fest.
2 sights · 10 things to do · 4 places to eat · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Safford
Sanchez CCC Camp
Well-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 instructi…
Mount Graham International Observatory
Operated by the University of Arizona 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 th…
Pinaleño Mountains
Part 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 campin…
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
A 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 b…
Roper Lake State Park
Facilities include a boat ramp and a natural stone hot tub. The park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing (bass and trout), hiking, and birdwatching.
Dankworth Ponds State Park
A subunit of Roper Lake State Park, Dankworth Pond is good for fishing and birdwatching. Dankworth Village is an outdoor exhibit of recreated paleo-Indian structures and artifacts, accessible via an interpretive trail. T…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Chiricahua National Monument)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TUS Tucson International Airport, Tucson — 87 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SVC Grant County Airport, Silver City — 92 mi away. Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $15–$90 a night (typical $52), from 8 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$130, comfortable ~$260.
Options are grouped as Lodging, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Pinaleño Mountains, Essence of Tranquility, Kachina Mineral Springs
- Lunch Safeway
- Afternoon Roper Lake State Park, Dankworth Ponds State Park
- Dinner Casa Mañana
Day 2
- Morning Mount Graham International Observatory, Safford Ranger District Office
- Lunch Los Jilbertos Restaurant
- Afternoon BLM Safford Field Office, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
- Dinner La Paloma Restaurant
Day 3
- Morning Sanchez CCC Camp, Black Hills Rockhound Area
- Afternoon Salsafest
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
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
Safford is bisected by Highway 70, also known as Thatcher Boulevard. There is no public transportation, so a car is essential.
By rental car
See
thumb|Mt Graham International Observatory
Do
thumb|View of the Pinaleño Mountains from Safford
Festivals and events
Outdoor activities
Do Pinaleño Mountains
Part 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.
Do Safford Ranger District Office
Do Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (Gila Box RNCA)
A 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.
Do Black Hills Rockhound Area
This 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. The hot springs at Roper Lake State Park (see listing above) is closed.
Buy
Eat
Eat Casa Mañana
Operating since 1951, this is one of the most well-known restaurants in the area.
Eat La Paloma Restaurant
Good Mexican food, popular with locals.
Eat Los Jilbertos Restaurant
Very popular Mexican restaurant.
Grocery stores
Eat Safeway
Has 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.
Camping
thumb|Roper Lake State Park
Stay Pinaleño Mountains
Dispersed 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).
Stay River View Campground
Located 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.
Nearby
Morenci
City / town · 14 listings · 27 mi away
Willcox
City / town · 25 listings · 39 mi away
Chiricahua National Monument
Park · 3 listings · 61 mi away
Saguaro National Park
Park · 14 listings · 61 mi away
Oracle
City / town · 14 listings · 64 mi away
Dragoon Mountains
Rural area · 11 listings · 67 mi away
Lordsburg
City / town · 8 listings · 67 mi away
Santa Catalina Mountains
Park · 16 listings · 68 mi away
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