The Black Hills Back Country Byway is in southeast Arizona, east of Safford near the New Mexico border. Eastern access is south of Clifton off US 191 (milepost 160). The byway travels southwest back to US 191 (milepost 139) near US 70 and Safford.
Black Hills is a 21-mile drive along the Old Safford-Clifton Road, an unpaved, narrow, and winding road. The byway is generally open year-round although sections may become impassable during and after heavy rain. Travelers should not attempt to drive the byway if pulling a trailer or in an RV longer than 20 feet. Motorhomes and trailers can be left at parking areas located on each end of the byway.
The Black Hills Back Country Byway passes through the historical territory of the Chiricahua and Western Apache, who arrived in southeast Arizona around 1600. Some Apaches used the area as a local travel route and hideout prior to the surrender of Geronimo in 1886. In 1540, Coronado passed through the area as he led Spanish conquistadors in search of gold and the Seven Cities of Cibola.
Each end of the byway begins in a desert shrub plant community and travels up through bands of desert grassland and then higher into stands of juniper, pinyon pine, and oaks. The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area preserves 21,000 acres of scenic desert canyons surrounding perennial rivers and creeks. The byway crosses the conservation area near the Old Safford Bridge.
Near the byway’s western end are rock piles marking prisoner grave sites. This road was originally built by prisoners between 1914 and 1920. In 1916, a prisoner was killed by a guard while attempting to escape.
Near the east end of the byway is the Old Safford Bridge. Originally designed to be made of steel, it was constructed of concrete due to limits on the use of steel during World War I. The bridge was completed in 1918 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Picnic areas at each end of the bridge serve as launch points for those interested in floating the Gila River.
Recreation along the byway is diverse and plentiful. Many primitive side roads invite off-road-vehicle users and challenges the experienced mountain biker. Rock collectors will want to visit the Black Hills Rockhound Area near the byway’s western end. Anglers may wish to spend some time fishing in the Gila River. In early spring, snowmelt enables rafts, kayaks, and canoes to float through the Gila Box to Bonita Creek, 19 miles downstream.