Black Hills Rockhound Area
Facility · Arizona ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Safford Field Office (Bureau of Land Management AZ) · Open Access
- 4,413 ft
- Elevation
This rockhound area makes a great day adventure for rock collectors. The principal attraction for rock collectors here is fire agate. Fire agate is a relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized in the 1930s. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues.
The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas of the world where fire agate is known to occur. Although its origin is unknown, it is always associated with volcanic deposits.
The site is open for digging by the public without fees or permits. Camping throughout the area is allowed for up to two weeks.
Black Hills Rockhound Area is open year-round, but the summers can be hot and dry with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Getting there
Black Hills rockhound area is located on the north side of Arizona route 191, between Safford and Clifton, about 18 miles north of Safford. Access is easiest from U.S. Highway 191, just east of milepost 141.
32.87397, -109.39496 · 32°52'26.3"N 109°23'41.9"W
Typical weather
Typically 100°F in Jul, down to 60°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 73 | 81 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 98 | 93 | 83 | 70 | 60 |
| Low °F | 35 | 39 | 45 | 51 | 59 | 69 | 74 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip in | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.1 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
None
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Member photos
Common questions about Black Hills Rockhound Area
- Can you reserve a site at Black Hills Rockhound Area?
- No. Black Hills Rockhound Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Black Hills Rockhound Area
- Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits 19.3 mi · Permit · we watch it
- Riverview Campground 5 mi · Campground
- Flying W Group Day Use Area 5 mi · Facility
- Serna Cabin Picnic Area and Historical Site 5.1 mi · Facility
- Spring Canyon Picnic Area 5.8 mi · Facility
- Dry Canyon Boat Take-Out and Picnic Area 5.8 mi · Facility
- Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area 6.7 mi · Facility
- Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area 6.7 mi · Facility
- Gila River Boat Put-In 8 mi · Facility
- Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area 8.1 mi · Facility
- Owl Creek Campground 8.2 mi · Campground
- Granville Campground 21.5 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 928-348-4400
- Email blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-14.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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