Black Hills Back Country Byway
Contact Information
(928)348-4400
More about Black Hills Back Country Byway
The Black Hills Back Country Byway is unpaved, but is accessible to high clearance vehicles during dry weather. Portions of the byway have narrow drop-offs or are confined by steep cliffs. Do not attempt the byway if you have a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long. Motor homes and trailers can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end. Please take extra care to drive defensively on this route. Always expect a vehicle around the next bend and remember: mountain courtesy gives uphill traffic the right of way. Allow at least two hours driving time one way to travel the byway, not including stops. Have enough gas, water, and other provisions for your trip since no services are provided along the byway.
The Black Hills Back Country Byway offers 21 miles of back country driving adventure through the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains in southeastern Arizona.
http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/az/pdfs.Par.78815.File.dat/blackhills_sites.pdf
Along the Byway are sweeping views of the Black Hills, Gila Mountains, Mount Graham, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, the Freeport McMoRan Mine at Morenci and more. Side trips off the Byway provide access to the Gila River and spectacular overlooks of the Gila River Canyon.
Canyon Overlook Picnic Area is located near milepost 17 along the 21-mile-long Black Hills National Back Country Byway and provides a scenic vista of the Gila River canyon and nearby mountain ranges, Ramadas, picnic tables and grills.
Directions: From Safford, take Hwy 70 EAST to Hwy 191 NORTH (Past Solomon). There will be a turnoff for "Black Hills Back County Byway"
Click for even more information about the Black Hills Back Country Byway.
Camping
The following camping areas are available to the public in the Black Hills Back Country Byway.
Canyon Overlook Picnic Area
Canyon Overlook Picnic Area provides a scenic vista of the Gila River canyon and nearby mountain ranges, Ramadas, picnic tables and grills.
Access: Located near milepost 17 along the 21-mile-long Black Hills National Back Country Byway
Black Hills Back Country Byway Reviews
Other Day trips options
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Before highways and railways, before pioneers, even before Columbus... the land we know as the United States was truly a vast wilderness.
Arizona’s Salsa Trail
Arizona's Salsa Trail is all about terrific Mexican food and down-home friendliness.
Discovery Park
Discovery park is a visitors center, a college campus, and an all around unique destination.
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
Hot springs, river rafting, birdwatching, and miles of trails make this National Conservation Area popular among those in the know.
Kachina Hot Springs and Mineral Baths
Kachina offers hot mineral baths, foot reflexology, massages, and sweat wraps. Kachina offers relaxing alternatives.
Mt. Graham Golf Course
Mt. Graham Golf Course is a traditional 18-hole par 72 course that is walker friendly. The courses water and sand provide a good challenge for the average golfer.
Mt. Graham International Observatory
Mt Graham International Observatory houses some of the largest telescopes in the world
Pinaleño Mountains, Coronado National Forest
The Pinaleño Mountains are a remote mountain range in southeastern Arizona within the Coronado National forest.
Roper Lake State Park
Enjoy desert vegetation, an accessible fishing dock, stunning views of Mount Graham and natural hot springs.
