Gila County, Arizona
Located in central Arizona, known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and rich mining history.
Gila County is situated in the central part of Arizona, nestled among the rugged mountains of the Tonto National Forest. Established in 1881, the county was named after the Gila River, which flows through southern Arizona. The area's landscape is characterized by dramatic changes in elevation, from the desert lowlands to the pine-covered Mogollon Rim, creating diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
With a rich history tied to mining, ranching, and Native American cultures, Gila County offers visitors and residents a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The county seat is Globe, a historic mining town that along with neighboring Miami, played a crucial role in Arizona's copper mining industry. To the north, the town of Payson serves as a gateway to the Mogollon Rim and offers a cooler climate with its higher elevation. The county's varied terrain, water resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a beloved destination for tourists seeking to experience Arizona's diverse landscapes.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, Tonto Natural Bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that's 150 feet wide. Created by thousands of years of erosion, this natural wonder is located just 10 miles north of Payson. Visitors can view the bridge from four designated viewpoints or hike down trails to explore the area beneath the bridge.
Location: Near Payson
Features: Natural stone bridge, hiking trails, picnic areas, visitor center
Roosevelt Lake
The largest lake entirely within Arizona, Roosevelt Lake was created by the construction of Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River. The lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and other water recreation. The historic Roosevelt Dam, completed in 1911, was a key component of the Salt River Project that helped make Phoenix's modern growth possible.
Location: Eastern Gila County
Features: Fishing, boating, camping, Roosevelt Dam, marina facilities
Salt River Canyon
Often called the "Mini Grand Canyon," Salt River Canyon offers dramatic vistas with its steep walls and winding river. The canyon is a popular destination for white-water rafting during spring runoff season. Highway 60 crosses the canyon, providing accessible viewpoints and a breathtaking drive between Globe and Show Low.
Location: Northern Gila County
Features: Scenic drives, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, fishing
Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park
This reconstructed Western Pueblo Great House ruin gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the Salado people who inhabited the area from approximately 1225 to 1400 CE. The site features excavated ruins, reconstructed rooms, and a museum housing artifacts discovered during archaeological work.
Location: Globe
Features: Ancient pueblo ruins, museum, cultural garden, educational programs
Mogollon Rim
The southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, the Mogollon Rim is a dramatic 2,000-foot escarpment that stretches across central Arizona. In Gila County, the rim offers spectacular vistas, cooler temperatures, and outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding Tonto National Forest.
Location: Northern Gila County
Features: Scenic vistas, hiking trails, camping areas, fishing spots
Frequently Asked Questions
Gila County is known for several distinctive features:
- Rich copper mining history, with the Globe-Miami mining district being one of Arizona's most productive copper regions
- Tonto Natural Bridge, believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world
- Roosevelt Lake and other reservoirs along the Salt River, providing water recreation opportunities
- The dramatic Mogollon Rim escarpment that forms the northern border of much of the county
- The Salt River Canyon, sometimes called "Arizona's other Grand Canyon"
- The town of Payson, known as "The Heart of Arizona" and host to the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo
- Significant Native American history, including Apache and ancient Salado cultural sites
- Expansive outdoor recreation opportunities in the Tonto National Forest
Gila County is easily accessible by several transportation routes:
- By Car: The primary routes into Gila County include:
- State Route 87 (Beeline Highway) connects Phoenix to Payson in northern Gila County
- US Highway 60 runs east-west through the county, connecting Globe to Phoenix and the White Mountains
- State Route 260 runs east-west across the northern part of the county
- State Route 188 connects Globe to Roosevelt Lake and SR 87
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, approximately 85 miles from Globe and 70 miles from Payson. Payson has a small municipal airport for private aircraft.
- By Bus: Limited bus service connects some Gila County communities to Phoenix and other Arizona cities.
Most visitors drive to Gila County, with the drive from Phoenix to Payson taking about 1.5 hours and Phoenix to Globe taking approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.
The best time to visit Gila County depends on which part of the county you plan to explore and what activities interest you:
- Spring (March-May): Generally pleasant temperatures throughout the county. Lower elevations like Globe can be warm (70s-80s°F), while higher elevations like Payson remain cool. Spring is ideal for hiking, fishing, and enjoying wildflowers. This is also prime season for whitewater rafting on the Salt River when snowmelt increases water flow.
- Summer (June-August): Lower elevations can be quite hot, often exceeding 100°F in Globe and Miami. The higher elevations around Payson and the Mogollon Rim offer a cooler retreat with temperatures typically in the 80s°F. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms during the monsoon season (July-August), which can create spectacular lightning displays but may interrupt outdoor activities.
- Fall (September-October): Many consider this the ideal time to visit, with cooling temperatures, less precipitation, and fall colors in the higher elevations. This is a good time for hiking, camping, and outdoor exploration throughout the county.
- Winter (November-February): Lower elevations experience mild winters with daytime temperatures in the 50s-60s°F. The higher elevations around Payson can receive snow, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing at night. Winter visitors can enjoy less crowded conditions at many attractions.
Overall, spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring all areas of Gila County. Summer is ideal for visiting the higher elevations, while winter is better for exploring the lower elevations.
Gila County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities thanks to its diverse landscape:
- Water Recreation:
- Boating, fishing, and swimming at Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, and Saguaro Lake
- Whitewater rafting on the Salt River (typically March-May)
- Fishing in numerous streams and creeks, including Tonto Creek and East Verde River
- Hiking & Biking:
- Hundreds of miles of trails in Tonto National Forest
- The Highline Trail along the Mogollon Rim
- Trails at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
- Salt River Canyon wilderness trails
- Payson Area Trails System (PATS)
- Camping:
- Developed campgrounds around the Salt River lakes
- Forest Service campgrounds throughout Tonto National Forest
- Dispersed camping in designated areas
- Wildlife Viewing:
- Opportunities to see elk, deer, javelina, black bears, mountain lions, and numerous bird species
- Bald eagle watching areas around the lakes
- Rock Climbing and Canyoneering: Opportunities available in several areas of the county
- Scenic Drives: Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive, Mogollon Rim Road, Apache Trail
- OHV Recreation: Designated off-highway vehicle routes in Tonto National Forest
- Winter Recreation: In higher elevations, opportunities for snow play and cross-country skiing when conditions permit
Visitors should check current regulations and conditions through the Tonto National Forest or Gila County before planning activities, as seasonal restrictions may apply.
Major Communities
Globe
County seat, population ~7,300, historic copper mining town
Payson
Population ~15,500, gateway to the Mogollon Rim, "Heart of Arizona"
Miami
Population ~1,800, historic mining town adjacent to Globe
Pine-Strawberry
Combined population ~2,200, mountain communities near Mogollon Rim
San Carlos
Population ~4,000, principal community on San Carlos Apache Reservation
Tonto Basin
Population ~1,400, rural community near Roosevelt Lake