Gila Box Riparian NCA – Old Safford Bridge
The 23,000-acre Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (RNCA) offers several great birding opportunities. One highlight is the Old Safford Bridge along the RNCA’s eastern boundary. Camping, picnicking, and hiking trails area available near the bridge which spans the Gila River. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded here. Some regular visitors include ruby-crowned kinglet, western bluebird, and horned lark. Wintering sandhill cranes are sometimes spotted in the nearby farm lands.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Graham
Directions: To visit the east side of the RNCA and the Old Safford Bridge, from Safford, AZ, take U.S. 70 east 10 miles to its junction with U.S. Highway 191. Turn left and follow U.S. 191 about 29 miles to milepost 160. Turn left onto Black Hills Back Country Byway. Go about 4 miles to the bridge.
Latitude: 32.965541
Longitude: -109.308998
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: No fees to visit to recreate (i.e. hiking, fishing, boating); fees required for camping at the developed campgrounds
Best time to visit:Spring, Summer, Fall
Habitats: Desert, Marsh or Wetland, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
The main sites in the RNCA are accessible by car, however, some backcountry roads a less maintained and do require high clearance vehicles. Owl Creek Campground provides an excellent overnight stop (fee required).
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Common Black Hawk, Gray Hawk, Yellow-eyed Junco, Zone-tailed Hawk
Charismatic: Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Contact Information
Safford Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
711 14th Ave.
Safford, Arizona 85546
Phone: 928-348-4400
Website: https://www.blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/arizona/gilabox
Email: blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1279639
Additional Resources: Graham County Chamber of Commerce
