When high-elevation Riggs Flat Lake atop the Pinaleños is snowed in and covered with ice, trout anglers who come to the Safford District can still find a place to fish at Frye Mesa Reservoir. Lower winter temperatures and longer winter nights cool the waters of this small body of water surrounded by Sonoran Desert sufficiently, so that the Arizona Game and Fish Department can stock it with rainbow trout.

 

 

 

 

Located Southeast of Thatcher inside Coronado Forest.

 

Contact Information:

Safford Ranger District

711 14th Avenue, Suite D

Safford, AZ 85546

928.428.4150

website

Bonita Creek offers some of the most outstanding birding opportunities in Southeastern Arizona. There are over 200 species of birds within the NCA. Optimum viewing season is spring and summer. This viewing deck offers a unique view at treetop levels on the rim of Bonita Creek. The deck is the only fully accessible year-round viewing area in southeast Arizona and Riverview Campground is within walking distance.

 

Contact Information:

Bureau of Land Management

Safford Field Office

711 14th Avenue

Safford, AZ 85546-3321

928.348.4400

website

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains of southeastern Arizona lies Turkey Creek, a small riparian canyon that flows into Aravaipa Creek. Lined with large sycamore, Arizona walnut, and Arizona white oak trees, this narrow canyon provides a quiet retreat for picnicking and camping. Numerous small pull-outs along the three-mile length of the canyon are perfect for primitive camping. Day hiking is easy along the canyon bottom, a jumping off point to the east entrance of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

 

Colorful birds, as well as an occasional deer, javelina, or even a coatimundi, can be seen on early morning walks along the dirt road. A short trail leads to a prehistoric cliff dwelling; remnants of 120 years of homesteading and ranching are visible in the canyon. Due to its rich natural and cultural resources, part of Turkey Creek has been identified as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by BLM.

 

Contact Information:

Bureau of Land Management

Safford Field Office

711 14th Avenue

Safford, AZ 85546-3321

928.348.4400

website

Visit the Hot Springs/Mineral Baths page for more information.

Enjoy desert vegetation, an accessible fishing dock, and stunning views of Mount Graham. Roper Lake is stocked with Largemouth bass and Rainbow trout; it’s a great place for kids to catch their first fish. Boats are limited to small electric motors, creating ideal conditions for a sail board or a canoe. Roper Lake has 30 lake surface acres, a boat ramp, natural stone hot tub, a swimming beach, a day use island with picnic tables and grills, camping cabins, and campgrounds.

 

Contact Information:

Roper Lake State Park

101 E. Roper Lake Road

Safford, AZ 85546

928.428.6760

website

Riggs Flat Lake is located at the end of Swift Trail, a road that winds along the top of the Pinaleño Mountains. It is a small picturesque lake, 11 acres in size, set in alpine forest and meadow. Its cold waters are stocked during the summer with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and anglers report that the fishing is usually good. Best baits for the rainbows are corn, cheese, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, and worms. The brown and brook trout are taken on artificial lures and flies as well.

 

Small boats are permitted on the lake, but most fish from the shoreline. If the big ones aren't biting, there is always plenty of scenery to enjoy.

 

In addition to the views of the lake and the surrounding forest, West Peak is visible from the vicinity of the lake. So are Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro Mountains to the west if you don't mind taking a short hike to get to an overlook.

 

Location: Riggs Flat Lake is located in the Pinaleño Mountains 42 miles southwest of Safford.

 

Contact Information:

Safford Ranger District

711 14th Avenue, Suite D

Safford, AZ 85546

928.428.4150

Website

 

 

 

Contact Information:

San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department
P.O. Box 97

San Carlos, AZ 85550
1.888.475.2344
928.475.2701

website

Three miles south of Roper Lake, visitors can see an exhibit of full-size replicas of prehistoric Indian dwellings at Dankworth Pond. These replicas are from known archaeological sites found in east-central Arizona. Dankworth Ponds has 15 lake surface acres with picnic Ramadas, and Indian Village, and a playground.

 

Contact Information:

Bureau of Land Management

Safford Field Office

711 14th Avenue

Safford, Arizona 85546

928.348.4400

website

You can experience awesome landscapes and impressive biological diversity in a grandiose ponderosa pine and fir forest. Point of Pines Lake has good fishing and picnicking facilities. Other lakes are nestled in the surrounding pine forests.

 

Point of Pines Lake supplies trout anglers, hikers, and campers with views of the most beautiful pine-covered country in Arizona. The lake is accessible year-round and is stocked exclusively with trout. At an elevation of over 6,000’, this 24-acre lake provides a unique opportunity for the trout angler. Fish in Point of Pines Lake include rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout.

 

The lake is limited to electric or people-powered boats (no outboards) which makes for a quiet, relaxing fishing experience. With recent road construction to the lake, it is an easy and scenic drive moving through Sonoran desert to cool pine forest. There are picnic tables, campsites, and restrooms located at the lake. Overnight camping is set back from the lake.

 

Location: north of Highway 70 on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, 3 hours from Safford, 90 minutes from Globe.

 

Access: From Safford, drive 50 miles northwest on Highway 70 to Route 8. Take Route 8 for 60 miles to Route 11.

 

Contact information:
San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department
Highway 70
San Carlos, AZ 85550
928.475.2343

website