The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area is in Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, a fantastic place to have a picnic when exploring this 23,000-acre facility. You can camp at this location for up to 14 consecutive days, and you'll find many things to do nearby, including floating, hiking, and fishing. This remote area is about 6.5 hours east of Joshua Tree National Park and about the same distance south of Grand Canyon National Park.
While you can boondock at Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area, there are two nearby developed campgrounds in Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. There are other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area as well, which you can find by searching for "BLM camping near me." You'll also want to look for these campgrounds where you can stay for free or at a minimal fee for up to 14 days along your route to get to this location.
This trail follows the Gila River downstream through the southwest corner of Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. It's open to hikers and horseback riders, but bikers are not allowed. You can also float on a water trail at this location.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail in Roper Lake State Park starts near the hot tub and makes a loop. Along its route are interpretive signs detailing what plants and animals you're seeing. The halfway point is a mesa with great views of the surrounding area.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
Baseline Trail is in Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Hiking this trail counterclockwise allows you to skip the steep climb, but you will have a relatively steep descent right before the course ends. This trail can get very warm, so hike it in the cool of the day because there's very little shade.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Consider putting in your raft where the river crosses the Black Hills Country Byway. Then float along the river for 19 miles until you reach Bonita Creek. The best time to float this section of the river is in the spring when you'll likely encounter some Class II rapids. You'll need backcountry camping permits to camp along the river.
Mt. Grisham, about 7.5 miles south of Stafford, is a terrific place to go climbing, though you cannot summit this mountain because some Native Americans consider it a sacred location. While there is a long approach, Hell's Hole is a terrific location if you want to climb on clean granite. Nearby, Sultan Dome is another excellent location. While you will see some rock that appears unstable about 30 feet up, it is very solid.
Over 200 species of birds visit Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area annually, and a great place to see many of them in the spring and summer is the Bonita Creek Wildlife Viewing Area. Special platforms allow you to be at treetop level, so you can easily see the birds visiting nearby trees along Bonita Creek. It's a leisurely stroll from this location to Riverview Campground.
The Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site is next to Bonita Creek, a wonderful place for a picnic. The area stays shaded most of the day by tall sycamore, cottonwood, and willow trees. You'll want to explore the Serna Cabin, which workers initially constructed in the 1920s; it was restored by the BLM in 1991.
While the Bureau of Land Management controls the entire Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, RV camping is prohibited in many locations to protect raptors or historical artifacts. Riverview Campground in the conservation area offers 13 camping sites. There are no hookups, but potable water, trash service, and restrooms are available. Another fantastic choice is Owl Creek Campground. This campground along the Black Hills Back Country Byway has seven campsites, and restrooms are available.
Granville Campground within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a terrific place to go boondocking as Arizona cypress, quaking aspen, and Gambel oak trees shade the campground. There are 15 picnic tables, 10 grills, and vault toilets available, but there's no water. Another fantastic option is Black Jack Campground, which is also within the national forest. There's one vault toilet available, but there are no other services. While both facilities are operated by the national forest service, their rules are very similar to those found at Bureau of Land Management free camping facilities.
The Black Hills Backcountry Byway runs for 20 miles through the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, and along its course, you can see many historical railroad trestles, gravesites, and cabins. The road initially carried workers from Safford to the Clifton-Morenci Mining District. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many spiker dams in this area to control erosion, and you can still see remnants of many of them. As you drive along this highway, see if you can spot the historical evidence, but be sure to fill up with fuel first because you'll be more than an hour away from gas stations.
The availability of recreational activities, variety of wildlife, and historical significance of this area have caused many to name it one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. You'll have a great time exploring it with your traveling companions while staying in free and low-cost Bureau of Land Management camping facilities. Before you go, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.
The ecosystem at Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is so unique that it's one of only two riparian conservation areas in the United States. Evidence suggests that Native Americans have lived in this area for thousands of years. Therefore, you'll want to do your part by picking up after yourself so that the area stays pristine for others to enjoy.
You can easily reach Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area from Safford by taking US 70 east for about 5 miles until you reach Solomon, Arizona. Turn left on Sanchez Road, then go about 8 miles north until you see the sign for the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Turn on the first road going to your left, which will take you to West Bonita Rim Road. Then follow the signs to turn into Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area. Be forewarned that the last stretch of this road may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Address: Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area Safford, Arizona 85546
Ready to visit Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
