Gila Box directions

A reader asked for directions to the camping site in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area I mentioned in a previous item. It's easy to find. From the town of Safford, Arizona, drive east on Highway 70 to Sanchez Road at the tiny community of Solomon and turn left (north). Bear right at the intersection with Airport Road. After several miles, bear left at the Gila Box sign. You'll now be on an unpaved surface. Follow the road for another mile and a half or so to the pull-out at the west entrance of the Gila Box area, identified by the sign in the photo. This is where we dry-camped. The site has a concrete patio with a picnic bench and a spectacular view of the river below. The road continues, but this is as far as you'll want to go if you have a large RV. By the way, the BLM office in Safford, (928) 348-4400, can supply you with a great Gila Box brochure.