Stories, events and culture from Safford, Thatcher, Pima and the whole Gila Valley

Recreation Site

Black Hills Rockhound Area

Free fire-agate and volcanic-rock collecting

Safford

BLM-managed public land well known regionally for free fire-agate and volcanic-rock collecting. Free, no permit required. Distinct from the Black Hills Back Country Byway (a 21-mile scenic drive through the same general area) — both are real, both now have their own record.