Black Hills Rockhound Area: Arizona's Gemstone Haven
Discover fire agate and desert beauty at the Black Hills Rockhound Area near Safford, Arizona—a unique gem hunting experience on BLM land.
The Black Hills Rockhound Area, managed by the BLM Safford Field Office, is a unique destination where visitors can easily discover fire agate, a semi-precious gemstone. This area offers desert solitude and optimal stargazing opportunities.
A brief summary to Black Hills Rockhound Area
- Safford, Arizona, 85546, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months (October-November or March-May) or early morning to avoid extreme temperatures.
- Bring essential rockhounding tools: gloves, safety glasses, a rock hammer or chisel, and a brush.
- A 4x4 vehicle is recommended but not required to navigate the gravel roads.
- Check weather conditions, especially during monsoon season (June-September), for potential thunderstorms.
- Be prepared for dispersed camping with no facilities or water available.
Getting There
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Driving
From Safford, drive approximately 18 miles northeast on US 191 towards Clifton. Just past milepost 141, turn left onto N Cueto Ranch Rd, a dirt road. Follow this road for about two miles to reach the Black Hills Rockhound Area. Note that the road is accessible by most passenger vehicles, but a 4x4 is recommended. There are no fees for accessing the area.
Discover more about Black Hills Rockhound Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
9.7 km
Discover a hidden gem in Arizona: canyons, wildlife, and history converge in this unique riparian oasis near Safford.
Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area
13.8 km
Riverside relaxation and historical charm converge at Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area, a perfect escape in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.
The Clifton C
21.8 km
Explore the Clifton C in Morenci, Arizona: A historical landmark celebrating the region's mining heritage amidst stunning mountain vistas.
Greenlee County Historical
22.9 km
Discover Greenlee County's rich copper mining history, diverse cultures, and pioneer stories at this historical museum in Clifton, Arizona.
Clifton Historic Bridge
23.1 km
Explore Clifton's past at the Historic Bridge, a landmark connecting history and community in the heart of Arizona.
Clifton Historic Shovel
23.2 km
A monumental tribute to Clifton's mining history, showcasing a restored excavator shovel that symbolizes the town's industrial heritage.
Graham County Fairgrounds
29.6 km
Experience community spirit and year-round entertainment at the Graham County Fairgrounds in Safford, Arizona. A hub for events, culture, and fun!
Graham Parks & Recreation Office
29.6 km
Your gateway to outdoor fun! Discover parks, sports, and events in Graham County, Arizona. Open weekdays and Sundays.
Dankworth Pond State Park
33.2 km
Discover a tranquil desert oasis at Dankworth Pond State Park: fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and Native American history await near Safford, Arizona.
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
38.1 km
Explore Arizona's Hot Well Dunes: Ride the sands, soak in hot springs, and camp under the stars in this unique desert recreation area.
Eastern Arizona Museum Society
40.4 km
Discover Eastern Arizona's heritage at the Eastern Arizona Museum Society, showcasing the Gila Valley's history through artifacts and stories.
Indian Hot Springs
49.3 km
Discover the natural healing powers of Indian Hot Springs in Arizona, where relaxation meets stunning desert landscapes for the ultimate rejuvenation experience.
Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope
49.8 km
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Riggs Flat Lake
56.1 km
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Indian Bread Rocks Recreation Area
70.3 km
Explore the rugged beauty of Arizona's Dos Cabezas Mountains at Indian Bread Rocks Recreation Area.
Unmissable attractions to see
Catwalk Recreation Area
76.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Catwalk Recreation Area in Gila National Forest, a hiking paradise with stunning views and natural wonders.
Fort Bowie Trailhead
78.9 km
Hike through history at Fort Bowie National Historic Site, where the past comes alive amidst the serene landscapes of southeastern Arizona.
Chiricahua Regional Museum
79.4 km
Explore the Chiricahua Regional Museum for a captivating insight into Arizona's rich history and cultural heritage with engaging exhibits.
Fort Bowie Cemetery
80.0 km
Explore the serene Fort Bowie Cemetery, a historical landmark in Bowie, Arizona, and discover the stories of the American West.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
80.2 km
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SHAKESPEARE GHOST TOWN
86.0 km
Explore the haunting beauty of Shakespeare Ghost Town, New Mexico's intriguing historical site that tells the story of a once-bustling mining community.
Cochise Head
90.1 km
Hike to Cochise Head in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains for panoramic views and a glimpse into Apache history.
Turkey Creek Hot Springs
90.6 km
Experience relaxation at Turkey Creek Hot Springs, a serene natural retreat in Gila National Forest, New Mexico, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
94.8 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and invigorating adventures that await you on the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail in Willcox, Arizona.
Chiricahua National Monument
95.0 km
Discover the majestic landscapes and rich history of Chiricahua National Monument, a hiking paradise in Arizona's stunning wilderness.
Bonita Canyon Campground
95.0 km
Explore the beauty of Bonita Canyon Campground in Willcox, AZ, a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers with stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
Bonita Creek Loop Trail
95.1 km
Discover the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife at Bonita Creek Loop Trail, a hiking haven in the heart of Arizona's natural beauty.
Echo Canyon Trailhead
95.2 km
Explore the scenic trails of Echo Canyon Trailhead in Arizona, a hiker's paradise with stunning views and diverse landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures.
Bonita Creek Trail
95.2 km
Discover Bonita Creek Trail: A peaceful hiking haven in Fort Grant, Arizona, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Chiricahua National Monument Sign
95.4 km
Experience the stunning beauty and unique rock formations of Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona, a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tara Things
60.5 km
Discover the essence of local craftsmanship at Tara Things, a unique craft store filled with handmade treasures and artistic creations.
Apple Annie's Country Store
78.0 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Arizona at Apple Annie's Country Store, a charming farm shop and bakery in Willcox, perfect for lunch and unique gifts.
Buffalo Sisters Trading Post
79.3 km
Discover unique antiques, collectibles, and Native American crafts at Buffalo Sisters Trading Post in Willcox, Arizona, an essential stop for every traveler.
Starlet Boutique
79.4 km
Explore unique women's fashion at Starlet Boutique in Willcox, AZ, where style meets local charm in a delightful shopping experience.
Amarillo by Morning
79.4 km
Explore Amarillo by Morning: a charming boutique in Willcox, AZ offering unique western apparel and fashion accessories for every style.
The Friendly Bookstore
79.4 km
Discover a charming literary haven at The Friendly Bookstore in Willcox, AZ, where readers find their next favorite book amidst a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Willcox Traders
79.5 km
Discover hidden treasures and vintage gems at Willcox Traders, Arizona's charming antique store for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Bonita Bean Co
93.5 km
Explore Bonita Bean Co in Willcox, Arizona, for high-quality beans and local produce at great prices, embodying the region's agricultural heritage.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Coronado Vineyards
72.5 km
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Big Tex BBQ
79.5 km
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Isabel's South of the Border
79.5 km
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Tirrito Farm
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