Village Profile® Home Page | About our Company | Sales Opportunities | Community eStore | vpmobile.us®

Tours

Black Hills Backcountry Byway
This rugged 21-mile stretch of unpaved roadway is located between Safford and Clifton, with easy access via U.S. 191. The Black Hills Backcountry Byway, which represents the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains, is a historic and cultural route with great opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, rock collecting and picnicking are just some of the activities found along this byway. Interpretive brochures are available from the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway
Stretching over 123 miles of unique vistas, featuring high desert and forest areas, the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is steeped in historical significance. It is said that portions of the trail were traveled by Francisco de Coronado around 1540. Stop at such significant sites as the Stargo Cemetery and the “Arrow Tree,” or take advantage of the abundance of recreational opportunities offered.

One interesting fact about the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: it was originally known as U.S. 666, aptly nicknamed “The Devil’s Highway.” It was only a short time ago that the byway was renamed U.S. 191.

Graham County Historic Walking & Driving Tour
Grab a free brochure as a guide from the Chamber of Commerce, and enjoy the unique historic sites of Graham County. The walking tour of Downtown Safford highlights 26 historic structures, including the Graham County Courthouse (c. 1916) and Safford City Hall (c. 1898), while the driving portion features a number of historic sites throughout Pima, Safford, Solomon and Thatcher. The majority of these buildings date back to the 20th century, with many still in use today.

The Old West Highway
Uncover over 600 years of Western history while traveling along the Old West Highway. This route was home to dangerous gunfighters, Apache warriors and unrecoverable gold, with popular features such as lost civilizations and the site of Billy the Kid’s first murder.

Mt. Graham (Pinaleno Mountains)
Mt. Graham is the highest peak in the Pinaleno Mountain range, rising to more than 10,000 feet in elevation. The backdrop is amazing and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational options including rock climbing, hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing and much more. Guests have the chance to take a motor tour along Swift Trail (Highway 366) that begins at the base of the mountain, traveling approximately 35 miles up and ending at the top of Mt. Graham. More information can be obtained via the Safford Ranger District.

Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Mine Tour
Experience one of the state’s most prominent industries at the Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Mine, located in neighboring Greenlee County. Tourists are afforded the chance to visit one of the world’s largest open pit mines during a 2.5-hour tour, which begins at Morenci Lanes.Salt River Canyon

Known to many as the mini Grand Canyon, the Salt River Canyon is a 2,000-foot deep river canyon bursting with history and winsome vistas. U.S. 60 winds through the canyon, which spans approximately nine miles from rim to rim. Visitors can view interpretive displays at the parking and rest area, while outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of such activities as camping, fishing, hiking and white-water rafting.

Salsa Trail
Follow the Salsa Trail to more than a dozen Mexican establishments presenting the finest cuisine in the Southwest. Take a trip through the communities of Pima, Thatcher, Safford, Solomon, Willcox, Duncan, Clifton and York and sample the best Mexican dishes around, from mild to hot—perfect for any palate!

The traditional fares discovered at these restaurants and businesses are authentic family recipes made from scratch, with only the freshest ingredients. Rouse those tastebuds with Bush & Shurtz’s hot sauce; El Charro’s chalaca dish; La Casita Café’s green chile burro; P.J.’s popular enchiladas; and Salsa Fiesta’s salsa bar spotlighting eight different and delicious salsas.

While on the Salsa Trail, don’t miss the Mi Casa Tortilla Factory, offering natural flour, corn and whole wheat tortillas; Hilda’s Market (formerly Art’s Meat Market), featuring groceries and fresh meats, plus a kitchen cooking up everything from burros, quesadillas and homemade salsa to burgers and subs; and the San Simon Chile Company. Regularly open during green chile season, from August through October, the San Simon Chile Company offers the most flavorful, home-grown roasted green chile, along with frozen and sun-dried red chile pods, chipotle sauce, jalapeno relish and jalapeno jellies.

The last weekend in September is reserved for the annual SalsaFest, held at Safford’s downtown Town Square. Hosted by the Safford Lions Club and the Gila Valley Rotary Club, SalsaFest offers two days full of family entertainment, centered around what else: salsa! Take part in the salsa making competition and the jalapeno and salsa eating contest; browse through local crafts and the fresh marketplace; or sit back and enjoy live entertainment and food demonstrations. This is definitely an event not to be missed!

Learn more about Arizona’s famous Salsa Trail by visiting www.salsatrail.com, or grab an informational packet at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce:

1111 Thatcher Boulevard • Safford, AZ 85546
(888) 837-1841 • www.visitgrahamcounty.com