Hayden is in Southern Arizona . It is in Gila County. The town is located near the junction of State Highway 77 and State Highway 177 in the Copper Basin. Both the San Pedro River and the Gila River converge in Hayden with the Dripping Spring Mountain and the Tortilla Mountains in the distance. Superior is 30 miles to the northwest, Globe 35 miles to the northeast, Tucson 70 miles to the southwest and Phoenix 95 miles to the northeast.

Overview:
Hayden is a copper mining town in transition. Once mining was the only economic source. Now tourism, farming, ranching and retirement developments are the focus for the future. Today, Hayden has a population of 900. The town sits at an elevation of 2,100 feet. The southwestern climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 100 degrees. There are many opportunities for outdoor fun in and around Hayden, especially with two rivers passing through town. Hayden is working hard to maintain its traditional and rural values.

Community Features:
One attraction that brings the town’s mining past into the future is the Open-Pit ASARCO Ray Mine that is just a few miles to the north. The mine engulfed three small copper mining towns and converted them from underground mines to an open-pit. Ray Mine is one of the largest open-pit mines in the United States. There is a viewpoint and an interpretive display along State Highway 177. The best time to make your stop is during the daytime.

There are many outdoor activities to choose from in Hayden. Kearny Lake is newly constructed. Due to a flood, the original lake was destroyed in 1993. You can reach the lake by traveling north on State Highway 77 to the town of Kearny. The lake is stocked with trout in the winter months. Visitors will find picnic armadas, a boat ramp and several campsites. It is a beautiful spot. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is a vast wilderness. Aravaipa Creek flows west through the canyon to the San Pedro River. It is an area that has no trails, no facilities and no signs. The area is for those truly wanting to get in touch with the outdoors. 

Hikers, campers and those wanting to see wildlife will need a permit, before heading into Aravaipa Canyon. The western entrance to the wilderness area is south on State Highway 77 to Aravaipa Road. The road travels east for approximately 12 miles to the trailhead. Gila River flows just a short distance from town. It offers visitors a choice of rafting, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. It is possible to begin at the town of Winkelman and travel past Kearny and end up near Florence at the Hayden Diversion Dam. The river is a popular spot, especially during the hot summer months.

History:
In 1909, the Hayden, Stove and Company operated the mines near where Hayden is today. The company founded the town to serve as a residential community for mine workers. The town was named after Charles Hayden, the president of the mining company.
Hayden was incorporated in 1956. Then two years later, the town won an award. It was chosen, along with 11 municipalities across the nation, as an All-American City.

Mining has decline significantly since the early 1900’s. This drop in production has caused Hayden to diversify its economic base. Today, the town focuses on tourism and retirement areas. Its riverside location has boosted the number of recreational visitors. However, agriculture still plays a role. Ranches and farms are still seen in the San Pedro Valley, along the San Pedro River.