Head 30 miles northeast of Safford to enjoy pristine outdoor recreation.
The Gila Box is formed by multiple canyons converging in a natural and wild area of Southeastern Arizona. The remote location is perfect for visitors who like to see more critters than cars while exploring Arizona’s pristine backcountry. Roadside picnic areas invite visitors to take a break and enjoy the views from the canyon ridge while two campgrounds invite visitors to spend the night inside the canyon.
Explore the Canyons
When spring run-off swells the Gila River, whitewater rafting here rivals the thrills of rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Visitors can also canoe and kayak below towering cliffs while looking for secluded sandy beaches to take a break. Primitive roads wind through the conservation area and are popular with mountain bikers. Visitors encounter a homestead cabin, remnants of cliff dwellings and petroglyphs throughout the conservation area — evidence that the area’s waterways supported life here before recorded history. For visitors who prefer to view nature from behind the wheel, the Black Hills Backcountry Byway is scenic and, at times, thrilling.
Spot Wildlife
Along with the Gila River, three other waterways flow through the area attracting diverse wildlife year-round. Keep an eye on the cliffs above to spot resident bighorn sheep. One of Arizona’s major birdwatching areas is here, too. Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area overlooks a canyon that attracts more than 200 species of birds that visit the riparian area. Kick back on the viewing deck on a ridge overlooking a canyon to watch the nature show unfold.
Visit Safford
While Gila Box has two developed campgrounds, spaces are limited. Most visitors choose Safford as home base for outdoor expeditions in Southeastern Arizona. Safford is the closest city to Gila Box and a great place to stock up before heading into the canyon. Pick a hotel in town or keep it outside by reserving camping, cabin and RV sites at nearby Roper Lake State Park. Safford is also the gateway to Mount Graham, the region’s most popular natural playground. The highest mountain in the region challenges outdoor adventurers with high-elevation, four-season hiking and attracts stargazers with powerful public telescopes at Mount Graham International Observatory.
