Campground Overview:
The sands at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area were a beach surrounding a lake approximately two million years ago. What remains today is one of the most unique recreation spots in Arizona. Hot Well Dunes provides the opportunity to ride 2,000 acres of sand dunes, set up a camp, and then soak in relaxing hot tubs, all in the same location. However, please be considerate of your neighbors who may not be here to participate in the same activity as you. This is the only way this area will continue to be available to have fun in the sand, sun, and water. Be prepared to pack in, pack out all gear. A vault toilet is provided, but there isn’t much else.
From Safford, travel seven miles east on Highway 70. Turn right (south) on BLM’s Haekel Road and proceed 25 miles to the area. Fan Road – From Bowie, drive two miles north on Central Avenue to Fan Road. Travel one mile east on Fan then go north on Donahue for one mile. Turn east on Rosewood and follow it for six miles to Haekel. Go another nine miles north to the site. Tanque Road – This road provides access from Highway 191. The turnoff from Highway 191 onto Tanque Road is located near milepost marker 105.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Safford |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area |
Campground Map: |
N/A |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Mount Graham and the Pinaleño Mountains
Locals refer to the entire mountain range southwest of Safford as Mt. Graham. The actual name “Pinaleño Mountains” comes from an Indian word meaning “many deer”, or “deer mountain.” Mount Graham is the the summit of the Pinaleño Mountains at an elevation of 10,720 feet. The mountain range was named in 1846, during the war with Mexico. The Army of the West, led by General Stephen Watts Kearney, came down the Gila River on his way to California. Lt. William Emory, a topographer and scientist for the group, referred to the mountain in his journal and on the map of his trip as Mount Graham, named for his friend and fellow Army officer James Duncan Graham.
The Pinaleño Mountains are the single-most diverse mountain range in North America, and hosts 11 endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Visitors can travel the Swift Trail (Highway 366) through eight distinct zones in just a dozen miles, including Sonoran desert, Sonoran grassland, chaparral, pinyon-juniper woodland, Madrean evergreen oak woodland, Ponderosa pine forest, mixed conifer forest, and finally spruce-fir forest at the highest elevations.
Mount Graham provides today’s visitors a wealth of activity, from sight seeing to more strenuous activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and cross country skiing. There is something for all at this popular retreat. Trout fishing at Riggs Flat Lake is a popular summer pastime, and several of the year-round creeks offer the challenge of stream fishing. Some of the popular trails include: Arcadia Trail #328, Ash Creek Trail #307, Taylor Canyon Trail #306, and the Grant Hill Loop Trail #322
Black Hills Back Country Byway is a unpaved, 21-mile drive that begins at its southern point, off of U.S. Route 191, approximately 20 miles east of Safford. You’ll turn left onto the Black Hills Back Country Byway, a gravel road that’s maintained by Graham and Greenlee counties. Although a four-wheel-drive vehicle isn’t necessary — unless you plan to explore one of the numerous side roads along the way — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
The road winds back to U.S. 191 after traversing the Old Safford Bridge, which crosses the Gila River. The bridge, constructed in 1918, doesn’t look a day over 32 — partly because it was restored several years ago. Just below the bridge is a popular place to launch rafts and kayaks to float the 23 miles of river in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Past the bridge, the Bureau of Land Management’s Owl Creek Campground provides views of the river and riparian area below.
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, encompasses over 23,000-acres and four perennial waterways which are the lifeline to an extensive riparian ecosystem abounding with a diverse plant and animal community. This region is a very special riparian ecosystem abounding with plant and animal diversity. Impressive Gila Conglomerate cliffs tower more than 1,000 feet above the Gila River, and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting enthusiasts take advantage of the spring run-off to enjoy an easy to moderately difficult floating adventure down the Gila.
Many people also float the river in inflatable kayaks during the low water of the summer. Lower water also affords hikers the opportunity to safely enjoy the scenic canyon. Numerous prehistoric and historical structures can be viewed. A network of primitive roads provides hours of backcountry adventure for four-wheel-drive and mountain bike trekkers. The Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area provides a bird’s-eye view of the riparian canyon below, with over 100 species of birds recorded here. A homestead cabin, rock art and cliff dwellings, show evidence of the occupation of this important perennial stream by earlier inhabitants.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
