Galiuro Wilderness
Rugged terrain, diverse plant and animal communities, old west history and
plenty of solitude are available for lovers of wilderness in the Galiuros.
These rugged block fault mountains rise over 3,700 feet above the semi-desert
savannas of the Sulphur Springs and San Pedro Valleys in southeastern Arizona.
The 76,317-acre Galiuro Wilderness encompasses the mid to upper slopes of the
mountains as they rise from golden grasslands, through dense thickets of evergreen
oak, to stands of ponderosa pine. Douglas-fir and bigtooth maple inhabit cooler
sheltered areas and a stand of aspen cloaks the northern slope of 7,671-foot
Bassett Peak, the highest in the range.
Two major canyons, Rattlesnake and Redfield, and twin ridges running northeast
to southwest form the dominant geologic features of the area. A trail runs
along each of these ridges providing access to a variety of connecting trails
and spurs.
The Galiuros are rich in both natural and cultural history. Wolves roamed
these mountains until the mid-1950’s. And black bear and mountain lion are
still plentiful today. At Power Cabin, deep within the mountain range, one
of the most famous of old west shoot-outs took place in 1918.
Attractions:
Excellent opportunities for solitude
Mountains, cliffs and canyons
Open savannas, oak woodlands, pine forests
Diverse wildlife, rich history
Maps: Coronado National Forest Recreation Map (Safford and Santa Catalina
Districts).
USGS Quads: Bassett Peak, Cherry Spring, Harrison Canyon, Kennedy Peak,
Rhodes Peak, Winchester Mts, Kielberg Canyon.
Location: 35 miles northwest of Willcox, 45 miles northeast of Tucson,
and 30 miles southwest of Safford. (Straight line distances, not
road mileages.)
Elevation: 4,000'-7,671'.
Access: Major access points are at Deer Creek Trailhead at the end
of FR 253, by way of the Powers Garden Trail #96 off the Aravaipa
Road and at the Redfield Canyon Trailhead at
the end of FR 691.
Trails in Wilderness: Major trails include Powers Garden #96,
East Divide #287, West Divide #289, Tortilla #254, Sycamore #278,
Corral
Canyon #291,
Rattlesnake
#285, High Creek # 290.
Notes:
Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain
bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. Please abide by Wilderness
rules and
observe NO TRACE! ethics.
Trails here can be somewhat hard to follow because they are
maintained infrequently. Bring a map and compass and know
how to use them.
Water is available year-round at a limited number of springs
and streams only. Purification of water is recommended prior
to use.
During dry
periods, bring
your own.
Before visiting this area, call the Safford
Ranger District
for current trail conditions which can vary with season,
weather and maintenance
status.
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