ギラ山脈周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ14

The Blue Range Primitive Area sits along the Arizona–New Mexico border and is the last designated primitive area in the U.S. Forest Service system, covering over 170,000 acres of canyons, steep ridges, and remote, pine-covered mountains. This area is home to black bears, elk, and wild turkeys. There are several trails that wind through its fir and spruce forests and along the Blue River, making it ideal for seasoned backpackers looking for a true wilderness experience.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests cover an impressive 2.76 million acres across eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, surrounding the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains. The forests feature over 680 miles of rivers and streams, 24 lakes and reservoirs, and four wilderness areas, including Mount Baldy and Escudilla. They are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elk, Mexican gray wolves, black bears, bald eagles, and a wide range of songbirds that you will likely hear echoing in the canyon as you explore this vast beautiful area.

Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area spans 23,000 acres where four year-round waterways, including the Gila and San Francisco Rivers, support lush groves of cottonwoods and diverse desert wildlife. The area is home to bighorn sheep, beavers, and over 200 bird species, with opportunities for hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic sites like cliff dwellings and homestead cabins. There are developed campgrounds and plenty of trails to explore, so whether you're floating the river, hiking dusty paths, or relaxing in a shaded campsite, it's a peaceful spot that feels far removed from the noise of everyday life.

A great place to stretch your legs! You can explore the Red Mountain Overlook Observation Site that features a viewing platform, a picnic bench and a vault toilet. The view of Red Mountain and the Blue Range Primitive Area is amazing.

A very short stroll takes you to a viewing platform with an information board of the Chase Creek area. The information board has aged a lot and so has the information and area seen on it. The gigantic mining operation of the Morenci Copper Mine is clearly visible and some natural features shown at the information are already gone. Still a breathtaking view.

The Black Hills Rockhound Area is known for finding stunning fire agates. The road to get here is a little bumpy, but you can make it if you drive carefully. The area is flat and has no shade, so avoid the heat of the day. You will find a register that you can sign.

The HL Canyon 11 Trail leads down the mountain along (dry) Sardine Creek and connects with the Sardine Saddle Trail or the Pinal Trail to form an even bigger loop. You will enjoy more of the stunning scenery of the Blue Range mountains while you hike back along the Pigeon Loop Trail 301 to finish the loop.

The surrounding Black Hills were formed some 20 million years ago, when volcanoes erupted and formed mountain ranges like the Peloncillo Mountains just south of here. When you read the information board, look straight to see the different colors of the various volcanic rock: red, yellowish, brown to dark white. Volcanic rock, especially cinder, is used as a building material and there are some old mining pits in the area.