Location: Safford
Top Things to do in Safford
- 1. Roper Lake State Park
- 2. Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
- 3. Essence of Tranquility
- 4. AZ Air Ventures
- 5. Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
- 6. Discovery Park
- 7. Mount Graham International Observatory
- 8. Black Hills Rockhound Area
- 9. Frye Mesa Reservoir
- 10. Indigo Mountain Wellness, Toys & Gifts
The 10 Best Things to Do in Safford, United States
Safford (Western Apache: Ichʼįʼ Nahiłtį́į́) is a city in Graham County, Arizona, United States. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the city is 9,566. The city is the county seat of Graham County.
Restaurants in Safford
1. Roper Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
This 400-acre park has five miles of hiking trails and plenty of water for boating, swimming and fishing. There are also campsites and cabins for rent. Roper Lake is located approximately 6 miles south of Safford and consists of a 32-acre lake.
Reviewed By Deborah M - Tucson
I rented a camping cabin for the first time and spent the night. We arrived after dark and it was already quiet. This surprised me since all the camping spots are so close together.
The camping cabin was clean and cozy.
I got up early and went over to the warm tub to soak which was a small walk away from the campground.
I can't wait to go back and try some kayaking!
2. Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Blondedawg - East Wenatchee, Washington
Took advantage of the spa experience ($105) each and the staff treated us to the private mineral bath soak(s), full body massage which focused on areas of concern, sweat wrap and reflexology foot treatment. This is a very remote location but worth the trip and pretty drive through the desert. I wish I lived closer!!
3. Essence of Tranquility
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By jen k - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
We were looking for hot springs in SE Arizona. The local State Park technically had one, but unexciting and it was booked. So, the local Information Center suggested Essence of Tranquility.
It's kooky, just like the name implies, but it suit us perfectly. The owner, a character in her own right, was very friendly and accommodating. The rooms/cabins (?) were functional. They could have used a bit of the "Essences" she sells in the office but were otherwise fine for sleeping purposes. The plumbing is across the parking lot so IF that's an issue for you, beware.
The hot tubs themselves were great - different temps, styles and all private but one. While the accommodations weren't cheap, by the time you deduct the cost of using the tubs X 2, it's a steal and they're available 24/7 (with and exception of 1 1/2 hr. during the hourly rental peak).
Once the 'public' has gone (and there's not much 'public') the facility is very peaceful, "tranquil", just as the name implies. There are huge trees replete with bird life and it's an easy drive to places like Chirikawa Nat'l Mt. and Ft Bowie Pk - both worthy of some time.
If you need super-sanitized, this won't work. If you're looking to veg and getaway from the rat-race, you've found your hideaway.
4. AZ Air Ventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
AZ Air Ventures is an adventure company specializing in hot air balloon rides over the Gila Valley. Passionate about ballooning, we are excited to share ballooning adventures with the residents of and visitors to Graham County. Hot air ballooning over the Gila Valley is a remarkable experience providing spectacular views you’ve never seen before. Come fly with us!
Reviewed By Lydia M
My daughter (7 years old) and I took our first flight back in July 2016.... it was AMAZING!!! Greg is a great pilot and makes you feel completely at ease in the air and Susan is so knowledgeable in leading the crew, she is great...MoreI LOVE that your daughter was our first minor and still the youngest we've flown. You both have a special place in our heart. Thank you for trusting us to share the joy of ballooning with you both!
5. Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By CandysKitchen
The GILA Box is one of our best backyard playgrounds around. The Safford, AZ area is wonderful place. We are blessed to live in a valley that in one direction we have Mt. Graham (The Pinal Mtn. Range) and the GILA River Box. Spring time is especially a great time. It is green. The Gila River and Bonita Creek run with cool clear waters, with great places to picnic, camp, swim, fish, go tubing, hiking and more. It's a great family backyard and playground we cherish.
6. Discovery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Contains 2 of the country's leading sky-watching sites (Aker and Mount Graham International observatories, the world's largest pin-hole camera and more.
Reviewed By TommyBear - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It can be confusing trying to find information online because this "park" has gone from being a private "Edu-tainment" venture through a County project to finally being part of Eastern Arizona College. So unfortuantely, there is a lot of outdated information still online to confuse you. I can't post a URL, but if you search for it the way I've titled my review, you'll get to the CURRENT information.
I first found my way here because I was interested in a tour up to the Mt Graham International Observatory. Being a midwestern flatlander, I didn't realize that the area was closed in winter because of... snow. DOH!
But when I called for that information, I received a lot more about what the Park offered, so I decided to stop anyway, and I'm glad I did. In addition to a shuttle simulator they have a small museum packed with fascinating astronomical exhibits, another museum with historical exhibits (including a helioscope, used to signal from mountain to mountain using Morse Code) - just so much to learn and see and do.
Then there are some beautiful hiking trails through the desert, with Mt. Graham always in the background. I spent about 2 hours here, and greatly enjoyed my visit.
7. Mount Graham International Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By mistrygirl-5 - Mesa, Arizona
It was a beautiful trip up Mt. Graham. It was a neat experience to see the telescope. Our whole family learned a lot. The tour guides were entertaining and very informative. When we got up there we got to have a tour from some of the scientist studying the stars. They opened the telescopes and we had a beautiful view. We did not get to look in the telescopes but it was still an amazing experience. The only thing I would say is the drive up there is not easy. It is a very bad switch back trail. If you get car sick you may have a hard time. You may also have a hard time if you have a fear of heights (like I do). This is one of the toughest mountain roads I have ever been on. But if you can handle that it is worth the price.
8. Black Hills Rockhound Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
From the intersection of Highway 70, east of Safford, travel 10 miles north on Highway 191 to Black Hills Rockhound Area. Follow the dirt road 2 miles to the center of the rockhound area.
Reviewed By Bonnie B - Scottsdale, Arizona
good views, not a lot of other folks in the area. The end of the drive by Gila River bridge was the prettiest, good place for a picnic.
9. Frye Mesa Reservoir
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By phxchica127 - Phoenix, AZ
This is a beautiful spot but once will be enough for me. The very narrow, treacherous dirt road up requires a four wheel drive and for me was quite scary. Once on top, though there is a little water fall and pond that is awesome with view to the Gila valley. However I will not be repeating this trip---be prepared before you go.
10. Indigo Mountain Wellness, Toys & Gifts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Unique local business. Wonderful toys for kids from ages 0 to 99 and hobbies. There are plenty of hands on samples to check out. Gifts including Arizona souvenirs. We have all things wellness from water filters (including sports bottles), air filters, vitamins, supplements, bulk herbs and teas, and a BioMat and Vibroacoustic Beds for relaxation and pain and a local Traditional Natruopath.
Reviewed By Diane D - Pima, AZ
Yes, Indigo Mountain sells wellness products but I have never gone there for that. What brings me inside are all the cool and educational toys. Great place for Christmas and Birthday shopping. They are one of the only places locally that sells Melissa and Doug products.
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