Florence - Kelvin

32 miles one way
Directions: From Phoenix, go east on U.S. Route 60 for 21 miles to State Route 79 (Pinal Pioneer Parkway). Turn right (south) onto SR 79 and continue 18 miles through Florence to the Florence-Kelvin Highway. Turn left (east) onto the Florence-Kelvin Highway and continue 32 miles to State Route 177.
Vehicle requirements: None
Information: Florence Visitors Center, 520-868-5216 or www.visitflorenceaz.com 

The Copper Corridor on State Route 177 spans 32 miles, taking you through the towns of Hayden and Winkelman. The scenic road runs parallel to the Gila River on the northeast side of its floodplain, alternately traversing lower slopes and ridges of Dripping Springs Mountains and steep, rock arroyos and canyons trending southwest toward the floodplain of the river.  
azcitieswork.com/.../the-copper-corridor-scenic-road-wes 

Aravaipa Canyon: This canyon cutting through the northern end of the mountain range is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and The Nature Conservancy as the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. A perennial stream runs through the canyon producing a lush riparian corridor only a few feet away from yuccas, cacti, and desert shrubs on the canyon slopes.  With towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor.  https://www.blm.gov/visit/aravaipa-canyon-wilderness 

Near Kearny, area good for beginners and allows for all types of off-highway vehicles. Elevation from 2,000 to 2,400 feet. Use limited to existing routes which are on Bureau of Land Management managed land. Includes staging area, picnic and camping areas and restrooms. Low Desert.

Town of Kearny
(520) 363-5547
www.townofkearny.com/

Bureau of Land Management
Phoenix Office: 602-780-8090
www.az.blm.go

 Gila River The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and SR 77 north of Winkelman in Gila County, AZ, approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. There are two sites along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman, Arizona. 

 www.blm.gov/visit/gila-river 

SOUTHERN TRAILHEAD: FREEMAN ROAD TRAILHEAD

GPS Coordinates: 32.87109° N, 110.88256° W

From Mammoth, drive north on Hwy 77 to the town of Dudleyville. Turn left (west) on Dudleyville Road to the center of the community and locate San Pedro Road. Head west on San Pedro Road, where the road soon turns to dirt. Cross the San Pedro River (usually dry or very shallow) and then turn north at intersection and follow road north along the river (Camino Rio) for 0.5 mile. Turn left (west) on Freeman Road. Cross railroad tracks and continue for 12 miles to the trailhead.

GPS Coordinates: 33.10228° N, 110.97494° W

From the town of Superior, take AZ 177 south for 15.2 miles (MP 152.1) and turn south onto Florence-Kelvin Highway (next to RR crossing) for 1.2 miles through the community of Kelvin and cross the Kelvin Bridge. Passage 15 approaches the bridge from below the rock outcrop along the Gila River and ends at the south end of the old bridge. Parking is limited here since the new bridge was completed in 2018. Ample parking is available at the Florence-Kelvin Trailhead ~1.5 miles further west on the Florence-Kelvin Highway. Another option is the BLM trailhead at the end of Centurion Road (one-half mile into the passage northbound). Either location provides easy access to the Arizona Trail .

From Florence, drive 1.5 miles south on AZ 79 and turn left (east) on the dirt Florence-Kelvin Highway. Continue 31 miles to the town of Kelvin and a historic bridge over the Gila River.

From the town of Hayden/Winkleman, drive northwest on AZ 177 about 16 miles then south (left) toward Kelvin. Continue 1.2 miles to the bridge.

 Camino Rio Rd, Winkelman, AZ 85192 

 777 Apache Sky Blvd
Winkelman, AZ 85192

Just south of Mile Marker 127 on Highway 77.
Phone: 800-APACHE-8

Mila Besich-Lira
520-490-8433
discovercoppercorridor.com

discovercoppercorridor@gmail.com

CCEDC
PO BOX 5115
Oracle AZ 8563