GRAHAM COUNTY, ARIZONA
LIFE the Way it Ought to Be…
Graham County Chamber of Commerce
Sheldon Miller
1111 Thatcher Blvd.
Safford, Arizona 85546
E-Mail: info@graham-chamber.com
Web- Site: www.visitgrahamcounty.com
Phone: 928-428-2511
Toll Free: 1-888-837-1841
Fax: 928-428-0744
LOCATION
Graham County is located in southeastern Arizona, a convenient 30 miles from Interstate 10. Nestled against the Gila River and set against the splendid shadow of Mount Graham to the South and the Gila Mountains to the North, whose beauty is rivaled only by the Superstition at sunset. The three neighboring communities of Safford, Thatcher, and Pima offer visitors a wealth of recreational possibilities. From avid outdoorsman to those just wanting to relax and relish the breathtaking views, there is no limit of recreational activities to suit every taste.
DATE FOUNDED
Graham County was formed in 1881 by the 11th Territorial Legislature from sections of Apache and Pima County. While Arizona counties were continually named after local Indian tribes, the Legislature decided to break the trend. Ultimately, the newly established county was given the name “Graham” after the towering Mt. Graham.
DERIVATION OF NAME
Graham County was the first to be named after something other than a native tribe. In 1848 Mt. Graham was named by William H. Emory, a member of the Topological Corps of Engineers, for his friend James Duncan Graham. The original Graham County seat was Safford, named after territorial governor A.P.K. Safford, primarily because of the financial prowess of Safford’s founder, Josh Bailey.
AREA/SIZE/VEGETATION/ANIMAL LIFE
Graham County now measure 4,630 square miles, of which 22 square miles are water. The San Carlos Indian Reservation covers approximately one-third of the land, with San Carlos Lake a popular site for its excellent fishing and camping. Graham County is located in the arid southwest region and has a mixture of foliage ranging from mesquite trees, sage brush,
palo verde, cactus, and myrtle trees, along with many types of flowers.
A variety of animals, birds, fish, and reptiles reside in the county. There are three species of quail, Gambel’s, Scaled, and Mearn’s. Both Golden and Bald Eagles are present. Also present is the very rare Coatimundi from the raccoon family. Also present is javelinas, big horn sheep, mule and Coues white tail deer, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, and several species of rabbits, not to mention the numerous reptiles, Gecko’s, Gila monsters, and numerous snakes.
ELEVATION
Safford is 2,900 feet above sea level. With Mt. Graham the highest peak in the Pinaleno Mountain range, it rises to more than 10,000 feet in elevation.
POPULATION
Graham County has grown to encompass a residential population of 37,338, a number that largely grows with the number of tourists coming to the area throughout the year.
CLIMATE
|
Highs |
Lows |
Rain |
Spring |
89.5 |
49.7 |
.53 |
Summer |
96.6 |
66.3 |
4.4 |
Fall |
71.6 |
38.6 |
1.75 |
Winter |
65.9 |
33.2 |
1.69 |
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Whether backpacking through the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, hiking alongside Bonita Creek or fishing on Roper Lake, riding off -highway vehicles at Hot Well Dunes Recreation area, the beauty and diversity of Graham County will astound outdoor enthusiasts. Sportsmen can enjoy big and small game hunting for quail, deer, javelina, and other wildlife. Antique hunters can search for treasures in shops specializing in furniture, collectables, and crafts. An 18-hole championship golf course provides year round play for the pro or weekend golfer. Lovers of Western culture can gather for the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. Looking for a relaxing weekend of luxury? Natural hot mineral baths and unique dining await. Come for the adventure and stay for the fun!
ART & CULTURE
Formed in 1985, the Gila Valley Arts Councils’ mission is to facilitate the visual and performing arts in this Arizona region through a jam-pack season featuring the finest talent around-locally, nationally and internationally. The organization has brought a variety of talent to the Gila Valley, including performances from the Kremlin Orchestra, the International Children’s Choir, the Arizona Opera, jazz greats and dance companies-among many others. Graham County has two centers for the arts, one in Thatcher on the EAC Campus, and one in Safford on the Safford High School Campus. Thatcher also is home to The Little Art Gallery.
LOCAL DINING
Safford, Thatcher, and Pima boast a variety of restaurants from fast food to fine dining. Travel along the now infamous Arizona’s Salsa Trail and sample the best Mexican dishes in the southwest, from mild to hot- perfect for any palate!
MOTELS/LODGING
Graham County has all types of accommodations, with Motels, Inns, Lodges and Bed & Breakfast. Come and stay awhile and enjoy all we have to offer.
AIRPORT
Safford Regional Airport……………………………………………………………928-348-8514
Location: 5 miles east of Safford, AZ
Functional Class: General Aviation
Elevation: 3,177 feet
Ownership: City of Safford
Use: Public
Runway 08/26: 4,800’ x 75’, Asphalt surface
Runway 12/30: 6,015’ x 100’, Asphalt
Helipad:H1
Safford Municipal Airport is the gateway to the unparalleled natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Southeastern Arizona.
DIRECTIONS FROM PHOENIX & TUCSON
From Phoenix take U.S. 60 east to Globe joins with U.S. 70 to Safford approximately 164 miles.
From Tucson take I- 10 east past Willcox to U.S. 191 North to Safford approximately 130 miles.
Time from Phoenix is approximately 3 - 3 ½ hours
Time from Tucson is approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours
ANNUAL TOURIST VISITATION
15,279 Yearly visitors to Graham County
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Graham County and the three communities of Safford, Thatcher, and Pima enjoy a diversified and vibrant economic vitality led by such major industries as Agriculture, Mining, Public Administration, Tourism, Transportation, Warehousing and Retail Trade. The area encompasses companies of all kinds, both large and small.
SPECIAL AWARDS
- Arizona’s Salsa Trail received the Innovative Promotions Award from the Governor’s Conference on Tourism
- Best Downtown Promotion for the Graham County Salsa Fest
- Appreciation Award for outstanding contribution to the successful completion of the Safford Land Exchange
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Safford, Thatcher, and Pima have an array of local attractions to keep one busy. For the outdoors person there’s the Black Hill’s Byway, Roper Lake State Park, Hot Well Dunes, and the beautiful scenic Mt. Graham. We have the Mt Graham International Observatory which offers tours in the summer months. Morenci Copper Mine tours are available. The city of Safford offers Mt. Graham Golf course, an 18 -hole championship golf course. Museums include the Graham County Historical Museum, Discovery Park, and the Woodcarvers Museum.
COMMUNITY TRIVIA
Where is Seńor Salsa? Seńor Salsa is following the Salsa Trail looking for the Arizona Highways Signature dish. Can you help him find it? Just come along the Salsa Trail.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
Mt. Graham International Observatory Tour
Lunch at an Arizona Salsa Trail restaurant
Historic Walking Tour downtown Safford
Dinner at Salsa Trail restaurant
Stargazing at Discovery Park
Day 2
Morenci Copper Mine Tour
Lunch at an Arizona Salsa Trail restaurant
Visit San Simon Chile Company
Roper Lake State Park
Dinner at an Arizona Salsa Trail Restaurant
Hike the Gila Valley Trail System
Day 3
Bird Watching
Lunch at an Arizona Salsa Trail Restaurant
Antique and craft store exploring
Visit Graham County Historical Society Museum
Dinner at an Arizona Salsa Trail restaurant
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