The 23,000-acre Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area includes four perennial waterways, the Gila and San Francisco rivers and Bonita and Eagle creeks. This region is a very special riparian ecosystem abounding with plant and animal diversity. A canyon section, known as the Gila Box, is composed of patchy mesquite woodlands, mature cottonwoods, and sandy beaches. Impressive Gila Conglomerate cliffs tower more than 1,000 feet above the Gila River, and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted. Bonita Creek, a key tributary of the Gila River, is lined with large cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows. 

Lower water affords hikers the opportunity to safely enjoy the scenic canyon. Numerous prehistoric and historical structures can be viewed. A network of primitive roads provides hours of backcountry adventure for four-wheel-drive and mountain bike trekkers. The Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area provides a bird’s-eye view of the riparian canyon below, with over 100 species of birds recorded here. A homestead cabin, rock art and cliff dwellings, show evidence of the occupation of this important perennial stream by earlier inhabitants. The perennial creek and riparian vegetation make the NCA a year-round desert oasis.

From Safford to reach the west side, travel five miles east on U.S. Highway 70 to Solomon. At Solomon, turn left on the Sanchez Road and follow the road to the end of the pavement. From there, follow the signs to Bonita Creek and the lower end of the Gila Box. To reach the east side from Safford, take U.S. 70 east 10 miles to its junction with U.S. Highway 191. Turn left and follow U.S. 191 about 29 miles to milepost 160, which is four miles south of Clifton. Turn left onto the signed Black Hills Back Country Byway, and follow the road four miles to the conservation area.

You can usually get to major access points by passenger car, but other roads may be rough at times because of infrequent maintenance. You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle on many roads.