Greenlee County: Mining History and Nature

Greenlee County combines a long mining history with historic sites and striking landscape diversity. The southern half encompasses desert-like basin-and-range lowlands with mesquite grass, yucca, creosote bushes and saltbushes. Yellow pines and Douglas firs grow in the northern highlands, along with alpine flowers. These very different vegetation zones shape the county; its highlights also include the history of Morenci and Clifton, as well as hiking trails, riverscapes and viewpoints.

Mining History and Historic Sites

Commercial mining began at Morenci Operations in 1872. Underground mining started in 1881, and the switch to open-pit mining took place in 1937. Morenci is considered one of North America's largest copper producers and the site of one of the world's largest open-pit mines. Clifton's history reveals further aspects of early development: the Clifton Townsite Historic District includes a largely preserved group of diverse structures dating from 1871 to 1920. The district lies in the canyon of the San Francisco River, framed by red rocks and hills.

La Casa Grande is the oldest surviving building in Greenlee County. The Clifton Cliff Jail became unusable after the 1906 flood, when it filled with sediment. At the historic smelter site in Clifton, retaining walls, foundations, ore bins made of cinder blocks and stone, and several storage tanks remain. These places reveal different traces of architectural and industrial history, though their stories did not follow the same course.

Clifton Union Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a fine example of Territorial-style architecture. Its mural commemorates the United Steelworkers strike of 1983 to 1986 and includes a portrait of union activist Cesar Chavez. The Park Avenue Vehicular Bridge is also worth a look for its design: it is a well-preserved example of a Parker truss bridge.

In Clifton, Locomotive No. 8, “The Copperhead,” is displayed next to the Old Jail. Historically, it transported ore between Clifton and Longfellow. The Greenlee County Historical Society Museum preserves the county's history through exhibits and educational programs; admission is free, and the museum is open to everyone. Check current operating conditions before visiting. The Visitors Center in Clifton is an official Arizona Visitor Information Center, recognized by the Arizona Office of Tourism.

The annual County Fair is also connected to the region's history: it is considered a place where Greenlee County's railroad and small-town farming culture is especially visible. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the current calendar in advance.

Landscapes, Trails and Activities

The Coronado Trail largely follows the route used by Spanish conquistadors in search of the Seven Cities of Gold. The trail showcases scenic, biological, geological and cultural features. Northeast of Clifton, Limestone Canyon is among the world's largest deposits of agate, blood-red jasper and steel-gray rhyolite. Petroglyphs can be found on Painted Bluff about 500 feet above the trail.

Trail No. 37, the Chitty Trail, leads to Chitty Falls. In Chitty Creek Canyon, the perennial stream makes it possible to observe many birds and other wildlife. Check current trail conditions before hiking. A short, steep climb offers views of downtown Clifton and the surrounding mountains.

For route planning, several trail lengths can be compared: Trail 501 runs 0.82 miles to a fire lookout tower on Rose Peak. The Rose Peak Lookout was built in 1929 to replace several earlier wooden lookout towers. An approximately eight-mile loop hike circles 7,951-foot Mitchell Peak. Another trail runs 12½ miles downhill from the Mogollon Rim to Eagle Creek.

Eagle Creek is suitable for day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips. Access requires a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle with high ground clearance. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Greenlee County offers camping opportunities; check current conditions in the forest area before setting out. You can fish for catfish in the Gila River in Greenlee County. Before you go, check the applicable fishing regulations and river conditions.

The viewing platform at Bonita Creek offers treetop-level views and is listed as fully accessible year-round. Check current platform conditions before your visit. You can plan your sightseeing and activities based on the features of each location and trail that matter to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Morenci, Yuma, Coconino, Cochise County, Navajo, Graham County, Pima, Yavapai

For the broader travel overview: Arizona.