The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located near Sierra Vista, Arizona, the Murray Springs Clovis Site contains evidence of a large Clovis camp dating back about 11,000 years. Archeologists believe this may have been the largest Clovis camp, and they have unearthed numerous tools, tool-making facilities, and animal-kill sites. Evidence suggests that people lived in this area for about 7,000 years. Murray Springs Clovis Site is in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, one of only two federal sites created to protect this type of ecosystem. This site is about 57 miles south of Saguaro National Park.
You can find lots to do in this area, including visiting Tombstone, Arizona, about 19 miles away. There are at least 11 other Clovis sites within a 50-mile radius. There are a few Bureau of Land Management camping faculties, and you can boondock on any public land. Search for "BLM camping near me" to find more spots to stay on your RV trip.
This trail, about two miles east of Sierra Vista, runs along a creek and a duck pond, but the pond can get dry depending on rainfall. The trail is wide and easy to follow. This flat trail can be a great place to spot birdlife, especially in the trees along the path, which keeps it shaded most of the day.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail starts at the Brown Canyon Ranch, where you can get a great idea of what the area looked like in the early 1900s. This trail gains about 700 feet in elevation. While the first part is on dirt, the second part follows Brown's Ranch Road. Note that there is a parking fee, and they only accept cash.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Explore the Ramsey Canyon Preserve by following this trail. The first mile is almost straight uphill, but the trail levels off. It runs through the Upper San Pedro River Basin and its varied terrain, including ledges, rocks and sand.
Length: 7.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you love catching catfish, you will love fishing the Upper San Pedro River. This 178-mile river starts near Globe, Arizona and flows south to the Mexican border. Since it can get dry during the hotter periods, fish in the spring. Fishing in deeper channels usually offers the best results.
About 70 miles northeast of Sierra Vista, the Cochise Stronghold is a great place to go climbing. Most climbs are old-school sphincter puckering triads, but there are also bolted climbs. You can also find many terrific climbs along the 30-mile-long Catalina Highway. Most climbs along this highway are near the road, so you will not waste time hiking.
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is a terrific place to go wildlife viewing. It is the best example of a desert riparian ecosystem in the United States, and over 40 mammal species and numerous other animals live in this location. Over 100 bird species breed along the 40 miles of the Upper San Pedro River that runs through this 56,000-acre faculty between St. David and Sierra Vista. There are numerous hiking trails, so you can easily get an up-close view.
Brown Canyon Ranch is a beautiful place for a picnic. This ranch was in continuous operation from about 1800 until a land swap in 1998 made it part of the Coronado National Forest. The tall trees around the pond offer a cool setting on a warm day. After lunch, tour the corrals and adobe home and see the working windmill.
While there are not any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for RV camping near Murray Springs Clovis Site, there are great options in Coronado National Forest. While there are no hookups, Lakeside Campground offers stunning views of Parker Canyon Lake, and there is a five-mile trail that runs around the lake. Another fantastic choice is Ramsey Vista Campground. This campground set in a grove of ponderosa trees can only handle trailers less than 12 feet long. A third option is Reef Townsite Campground. You can see many historical mining artifacts surrounding this campground.
Bureau of Land Management free camping facilities are not located nearby. Still, you can boondock at numerous BLM locations in this area, including Murray Springs Clovis Site and others within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Located near Parker Canyon Lake, you can boondock in the Canelo Hills. You can also boondock in many areas of the Huachuca Mountains.
While you will enjoy visiting Murray Springs Clovis Site, there are other Clovis sites in this area that you will also want to explore. Evidence discovered by Ed Lehner, his brother and others show that mammoths were killed at the Naco Mammoth Site and the Lehner Mammoth-Kill Site. Bones and other evidence of tapir, bison, camel, bear, rabbits and a garter snake have been recovered at the Lehner site and studied at Arizona State Museum. While these areas are on public land, you should report any findings to the Bureau of Land Management and not disturb them. You will need a high-clearance vehicle to get to some Clovis sites in Cochise County.
The ecosystem found in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area once covered much of southeastern Arizona, but only about 1% of it remains today. Still, it's amazing to see what Arizona looked like at the turn of the 20th century. Before driving off, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.
Protecting these areas that have archeological, cultural and environmental significance, so do your part by picking up after yourself. Pack out your trash, don't disturb animals, and review Arizona's fire guidelines before toasting s'mores.
Get on Arizona Route 90 in Sierra Vista and drive six miles east until it intersects with Monson Road. Turn left on Monson Road. You will reach the site in 1.2 miles. Watch for the access road on your right.
Address: Murray Springs Clovis Site Monson Road Sierra Vista, Arizona 85613
Ready to visit Murray Springs Clovis Site? 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.
