Safford

There are many attractions to see in town. One terrific museum you won’t want to pass up is the Graham County Historical Museum. The museum is in the Oddfellows home, which was built in the Tudor Revival style. It was originally an orphanage and then later became the Safford Library. Today, the historical society uses it to display and exhibit items from around the area. You will learn what life was like in the early years. Another popular hang out is the Graham County Fairgrounds and Recreational Area.

The 220-acre complex has facilities for fairs, an equestrian arena, an oval racetrack and many public recreation spots. These recreation areas range from tennis courts to baseball fields and 56 picnic tables. The Graham County Fairgrounds and Recreational Area is the place to be if you are interested in small town fun. Discovery Park is a fun place to go explore the past, present and future of the desert southwest. There are 200 acres of scientific, historical and cultural exhibits including the Gov Aker Observatory and the space stimulator ride called the Polaris Shuttlecraft. The Discovery Park Express narrow-gauge train takes you on a tour of Nature’s Hideaway with wildlife, flora and fauna.

Most of the activities available around Safford are found outdoors. There are so many to choose from it is hard to decide where to start. Mount Graham is a very prominent feature rising 10,713 feet above the valley floor in Safford. The best way to see this mountain is to take the Swift Trail. The Swift Trail (State Highway 366) is one of Arizona ’s most popular scenic drives. The drive begins just eight miles south of Safford. The trail takes you up to the top of Mount Graham in the Pinaleno Mountains. There are many spectacular sights along this drive. Columbine is a great camping area. Riggs Flat Lake has fishing and camping. It is important to know that the last section of the trail leading to the lake is closed during the winter season.

Visitors will want to head to the lake in the spring and summer to enjoy the water fun. Another lake that has lots to offer is the Lake Roper State Park. This lake is only four miles south of Safford. The park has 240 acres and 30 acres of water. Visitors will find two developed areas, which surround a small man made lake. The park has picnicking, camping, boating and a natural hot spring.

The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is a vast wilderness. It is an area that has no trails, no facilities and no signs. The area is for those interested in really getting in touch with the outdoors. Hikers, campers and those wanting to see wildlife will enjoy heading to the Aravaipa Canyon. The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is a wonderful piece of land including a 15-mile segment of Bonita Creek and 23 miles of the Gila River. This area is the prefect place to take a kayak, canoe or raft. Visitors can float down the Gila Rive taking in the variety of birds that make this place their home.

If you get a chance, attend the 7th Annual Gila Valley Cowboy Poetry and Music Roundup in September.

Safford is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Graham County and is the county seat. Safford is an emerald oasis amid the arroyo-streaked deserts set against the Pinaleno mountain range. The town is located on U.S. Highway 70. If you are coming from Tucson, take Interstate 10 east out of town to U.S. 191 and then head north on into Safford. If you are coming from Phoenix , take U.S. 60 east out of town to Globe and then take U.S. 70 into Safford.

Safford is a great place to start your exploration of the numerous outdoor activities surrounding the area. Agriculture has been important to the history of the town and continues to play a role today. Safford has a population of 9,095. The town sits at an elevation of 2,915 feet. The mild climate is found all year round with a summer high temperature of 99 degrees and a winter low temperature of 30 degrees. Safford is set in a beautiful spot with deserts, mountains, canyons and valleys. It is also a community ideal for raising families and enjoying the small-city pleasures which metropolitan residents have all but forgotten.