Black Hills Back Country Byway

Embark on a 21-mile journey through the rugged heart of the Old West along the Black Hills Back Country Byway. As you travel, imagine the grit and spirit of the pioneers who once carved their way through this untamed land. They lived close to nature, faced formidable challenges, and helped shape the legacy of the American frontier.

Today, you can follow in their footsteps. This is a Type II byway, designed for high-clearance vehicles. The road is unpaved, made mostly of native soil with stretches of gravel surfacing. While it’s rugged, it’s navigable with a two-wheel drive high-clearance vehicle — no extreme gear required.

Primitive side roads offer exciting terrain for off-highway vehicles and experienced mountain bikers. History buffs will uncover remnants of old mining operations and 1930s erosion control projects by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Rockhounds can head to the nearby Black Hills Rockhound Area to hunt for fire agates, while unique rock formations along the route invite exploration and photography. Whether you're hiking trails, wandering cross-country, or simply pausing roadside, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and encounters with the region’s abundant wildlife.

Camping and picnicking are permitted on public lands along the road, with several developed sites available. Midway on the byway, the Canyon Overlook Picnic Area provides shaded ramadas and barbecue grills with a scenic vista of the Gila River canyon. Closer to the east end of the byway is the Owl Creek Campground with seven units perched on a cliff overlooking the historic Old Safford Bridge. The south end of the bridge is a popular launch site for those floating the Gila River and for fishing for catfish. The north end of the bridge has a small picnic area.

Mule deer, javelina, and quail are just some of the species that can be hunted on public lands along the byway.