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Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site

The Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site is located outside the town of Safford, Arizona, along Bonita Creek. It's not far from the Gila River and is part of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The Serna Cabin is a heritage site that was constructed in the 1920s. In addition to coming to see the cabin, many visitors also venture to this site to view the magnificent cottonwood, willow, and sycamore trees.

Like many BLM sites, the Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site is situated on public land and has been preserved to protect the area's landscape and historical artifacts. Many BLM sites also offer recreational activities such as hiking, camping, or fishing. If you'd like to find BLM sites with camping options, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Noon Creek Trail

This trail in the nearby Coronado National Forest offers a good challenge for more experienced hikers and rewards them with panoramic views.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rincon Spring Trail

This trail provides hikers with stunning views of the area. The roads to the trailhead can be rough, so check ahead to ensure they're passable.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Grant Hill Trail

Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, this trail connects to other nearby trails, offering longer hiking options.

Length: 5.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Ladybug Trail

One of the more popular trails in the area, this route is quite steep and can be very rocky and slippery in areas.

Length: 10.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Dankworth Pond Trail

This trail in Dankworth Pond State Park is a great place to view wildlife, and it offers a more relaxed hiking experience than many of the area's other, more challenging trails.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The Gila River is the best nearby location for fishing, swimming, or boating. Catfish is the most common catch, and there are several designated fishing locations. The river is also very popular with people looking to float or raft.

Wildlife Viewing

The Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site is a good spot to view wildlife. Still, the nearby Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area offers even better wildlife viewing options. It features a treetop-level viewing deck, allowing visitors to spot many bird and mammal species. Native species you can spot include finches, doves, lizards, rattlesnakes, turkey vultures, mule deer, javelina, and roadrunners. The best viewing times are the spring and summer months.

Picnicking

The Serna Cabin Picnic Area is an excellent spot to picnic that provides access to several nearby camping, hiking, and wildlife-viewing areas. The nearby Spring Canyon Picnic Area is also a great option and offers grills and picnic tables.

Rock Collecting

The nearby Black Hills Rockhound Area is popular with rock collectors — many visitors find fire agate, a beautiful iridescent gem. Collecting is free, and no permit is required.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at Shannon Campground. The campground features 11 sites with picnic tables and grills. Great RV camping is also available at the Safford RV Resort, which offers a less-rustic camping experience with a laundry facility and showers.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found throughout the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area at dispersed campsites. No permits are required to use these primitive sites. Be aware that you can't camp in marked riparian zones or at designated picnic sites.

For just $5, you can stay at BLM-managed Riverview Campground, which is within walking distance from the Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site. The campground offers few amenities but makes up for the lack of luxuries with its gorgeous setting and access to nearby hiking trails and the Gila River.

RV Rentals Near Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site BLM trip

The Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site is beautiful throughout the year, but the area can be very hot during the summer, and the dry desert weather can put visitors at risk for exposure, dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn. Always carry plenty of water, and be prepared to protect yourself from the sun with lightweight clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

During the summer, severe thunderstorms and flash floods are relatively common in the afternoons and evenings. Check the weather forecast before you head out. Never walk along dry washes if rain is in the forecast, as they can flood suddenly. Always let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, wild areas, and historical sites must be protected and preserved by the people who visit them. If you're enjoying some dispersed camping, camp only in areas that are durable and have little vegetation. Always camp at least 200 feet from any natural water sources. Whenever possible, refrain from making a fire. When you do make a fire, gather small sticks from the immediate area and keep all fires controlled, using existing fire rings when possible. Cover embers with dirt and ensure the fire is entirely out before you leave. Pack out any trash instead of burning it.

Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site Location

From Safford, head east on U.S. Highway 70 for about 5 miles. In Solomon, turn left onto Sanchez Road and continue for 8 miles. Cross the Gila River and then turn left onto a dirt road, following signs for the Gila Box RNCA. Continue for 3.8 miles before taking a right at the fork in the road. Continue for 0.6 miles and turn right. Turn left at the next fork, following signs for the Serna Cabin Picnic Area and the Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area.

Ready to visit Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical 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.