Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area — Attraction in Arizona

Beautiful scenery, quiet and few (or no) people around. I was here during late November, so no bugs, great temperatures and no one else around. It takes a vehicle capable of 4-wheel drive or you carry have trouble with some of the roads or terrain. Also not recommended for a summer visit due to heat and flash clouds from monsoons in mid-to-late summer. Bring in your own water and food - and please take out your own trash. The water is clear but there are no fish. It is a source of water for nearby Safford and other communities, so don't foul it up! It may be drinkable, but make sure you treat it first! And only if you forgot to bring your own. There are a couple of picnic tables and BBQ stands, but no camping is allowed as are no open flames. The creek area itself has many trees, a couple of beaver dams and cattails, but the rest of the area is all cactus and other desert scrub, which means no shade anywhere else. Since the road in is to a water source it is slightly maintained, enough for one lane, until you get to the creek, where floods change the conditions. As anywhere, but especially in the desert - be prepared, and tell someone where you'll be. Don't count on cell reception. (I didn't check for it since I was there to enjoy the scenery! But down in the canyon it is unlikely, being quite a ways from the nearest tower and surrounded by small mountains as well as the canyon.) But if you are a nature lover, you'll be surprised at its...

A nice camping site that has all the amenities, fire place and a picnic table each separated by a good distance, so you will not bother the neighbors camping. An outhouse is close by and very clean. They are multiple water spikets through the camping grounds. The cost to camp there is $7 per camping area. The road there is primitive and good clearance is recommended. No cell reception in most areas and is...

It was blistering hot when I was in Safford but I drove to see Bonita Creek and the Gila River at this conservation area. There was a cacophony of birdcage coming from the green treed area (see photos). I would have seen the whole area if I hadn't foolishly gotten low on gas. I definitely plan to return. I so enjoyed the peace--I was the only visitor at the time. Cool month visits are actually...