The Gila Valley sits in southeastern Arizona’s Graham County, strung along U.S. Route 70. Safford, Thatcher and Pima are the three main towns, and the valley floor is about 2,950 feet above sea level, with Mount Graham rising behind it past 10,000.
By car
From Phoenix it is about 165 miles, roughly two and a half to three hours: east on US-60, then onto US-70. From Tucson it is about 125 miles, around two hours: east on I-10, then north on US-191. Most visitors drive, and having a car matters once you are here. Trailheads, the lake and the mountain are all spread out.
By air
The closest major airports are Tucson International (TUS), about 125 miles away, and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), about 160. For charter and private aircraft, Safford Regional Airport (SAD) sits in the middle of the valley.
By bus
Greyhound runs a daily route from a Phoenix Sky Harbor terminal (reached by the airport’s Sky Train) to Thatcher. Bus schedules change, so confirm before you plan around it. A rental car is the easier option from either airport.
Getting around the valley
The three towns run together along US-70. Thatcher borders Safford on the west, about four miles and eight minutes from downtown to downtown. Pima is nine miles west of Safford, about sixteen minutes.
Heading up Mount Graham? The Swift Trail turns off at Swift Trail Junction, where US-191 meets AZ-366, just south of Safford. It is usually the last place for fuel and supplies before the climb.
Day trips from the valley
Willcox and its wine country are about an hour south. Morenci and the Coronado Trail are about 65 minutes northeast. More ideas are in our Explore guide.