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

Stay

Stay

Hotels along US-70, lake cabins, RV hookups and mountain campsites.

Where you stay depends on what you came for: a hotel near Main Street, a cabin on the lake or a campsite in the pines.

Hotels and inns

Most hotels sit along US-70 and Thatcher Boulevard in Safford and Thatcher. Options include Best Western Desert Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Quality Inn and Super 8, plus Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Safford. Book ahead for the Graham County Fair, SalsaFest and Pioneer Days, when rooms fill.

Cabins and campgrounds

  • Roper Lake State Park has air-conditioned lakeside log cabins and a campground, a few minutes south of Safford.
  • Riggs Flat Lake, at about 8,600 feet on Mount Graham, has a campground generally open April 15 through mid-November.
  • Hospital Flat sits at about 9,080 feet along the Swift Trail, with picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets but no drinking water. Arcadia and Shannon are other Swift Trail campsites.

RVs

The valley is RV-friendly. Roper Lake State Park has water and electric hookups and a separate dump station. The Graham County Fairgrounds offers RV space for major events, and privately owned RV parks line the US-70 corridor. On Mount Graham, vehicles and trailers over 22 feet are not recommended because of the switchbacks.

When to come

Fall and spring are the easiest on the valley floor, with daytime highs from about 70 to 85°F. In summer, head for the mountain. See our visitor guide for what to do once you are here.

Places in this guide

All places

Questions people ask

Where should I stay when visiting Safford and the Gila Valley?

Accommodations range from standard highway hotels along US-70 in Safford to scenic outdoor sites. Roper Lake State Park features air-conditioned lakeside log cabins and water/electric RV hookups with a separate dump station. Campers can also find alpine campsites like Arcadia or Shannon along the Swift Trail on Mount Graham.

Can I bring my RV to the Gila Valley?

Yes, the area is very RV-friendly. Roper Lake State Park offers water/electric RV hookups (with a separate dump station) and immediate lake access. For major events or overflow, the Graham County Fairgrounds also provides RV accommodations, and many local privately-owned RV parks sit directly along the US 70 corridor.