Graham County, Arizona

Graham County is known for several distinctive features:

• The Pinaleño Mountains, which contain Mount Graham (10,720 feet), the highest peak in southern Arizona
• Agricultural production in the fertile Gila Valley, particularly cotton, corn, and alfalfa
• Mount Graham International Observatory, which houses some of the world's most powerful telescopes
• Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, the oldest community college in Arizona (established 1888)
• The historic presence of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which built many roads and facilities in the area during the 1930s
• Significant portions of the San Carlos Apache Reservation
• Rich mining history, with current operations at the Safford Mining District
• Diverse ecosystems ranging from desert to alpine forests
• Roper Lake State Park and its natural hot springs

Graham County is accessible via several transportation routes:

• By Car: The primary routes into Graham County include:
  • US Highway 70 runs east-west through the county, connecting Safford to Globe and Tucson
  • US Highway 191 runs north-south, connecting Safford to Interstate 10 in the south and Alpine in the north
  • State Route 266 provides access to the Pinaleño Mountains from US 191
• By Air: The nearest commercial airports are in Tucson (approximately 120 miles from Safford) and Phoenix (approximately 165 miles from Safford). Safford Regional Airport serves private and charter aircraft.
• By Bus: Limited bus service connects Safford to other Arizona cities.

Most visitors drive to Graham County, with the drive from Tucson to Safford taking about 2 hours and Phoenix to Safford taking approximately 2.5-3 hours.

The best time to visit Graham County depends on which areas you plan to explore:

• Spring (March-May): Generally pleasant temperatures in the Gila Valley (70s-80s°F), while the higher elevations of the Pinaleño Mountains may still have snow in March and early April. Spring brings wildflowers and good conditions for hiking and outdoor recreation at lower elevations.
• Summer (June-early July): The valley areas become quite hot, often exceeding 100°F, but the higher elevations of Mount Graham offer a cool retreat with temperatures typically in the 70s°F. This is the best time to access the highest parts of the Pinaleño Mountains, as Swift Trail is usually fully open.
• Monsoon Season (mid-July-September): Afternoon thunderstorms are common, bringing dramatic skies and relief from the heat but potentially interrupting outdoor activities. The mountains can be particularly dangerous during lightning storms.
• Fall (October-November): Many consider this the ideal time to visit, with cooling temperatures in the valley and fall colors in the mountains. The weather is generally stable with less precipitation than summer.
• Winter (December-February): The Gila Valley experiences mild winters with daytime temperatures typically in the 50s-60s°F. The Pinaleño Mountains receive significant snowfall, with access to the highest elevations often restricted. Winter visitors can enjoy snow activities in the accessible parts of the mountains.

Overall, late spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring all areas of Graham County. Summer is ideal for visiting the higher elevations, while winter is better for activities in the valley.

Graham County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities thanks to its diverse landscape:

• Hiking & Backpacking:
  • Trails throughout the Pinaleño Mountains ranging from easy to challenging
  • The Highline National Recreation Trail
  • Trails in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
  • Nature trails at Roper Lake State Park and Discovery Park Campus
• Water Recreation:
  • Fishing, boating, and swimming at Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond
  • Fishing in mountain streams
  • Kayaking and rafting on the Gila River (seasonal)
  • Hot springs at Roper Lake State Park and several unofficial locations
• Camping:
  • Developed campgrounds in the Pinaleño Mountains
  • Camping at Roper Lake State Park
  • Primitive camping in designated areas
• Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching:
  • The Pinaleño Mountains are home to the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel
  • Diverse bird species in the Gila Valley and riparian areas
  • Large mammals including black bears, mountain lions, and deer in the mountains
• Astronomy:
  • Public viewing nights at Discovery Park Observatory
  • Dark sky viewing throughout the county
• Scenic Drives:
  • Swift Trail Scenic Drive (AZ-366) up Mount Graham
  • Portions of the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway
  • Agricultural tour routes through the Gila Valley
• Winter Recreation: When conditions permit, snow activities in the higher elevations of the Pinaleño Mountains

Visitors should check current regulations and conditions, as access to some areas (particularly in the Pinaleño Mountains) may be restricted due to endangered species protection, fire hazards, or weather conditions.