Cleared flammable material at least 3 feet around it. You may not travel more than 300 feet from a designated road (see MVUM below) When using a dispersed camping area, the general rule is to be a minimum of at least 100-200 feet away from any road, trail or water source. The meals are home cooked and really good!Stop in at some of the shops that line the "square" and find that perfect something while being waited on by friendly, gracious staff. While camping is open in some parks, many still remain closed or are only open to day use. All day event with very limited availability so plan ahead... After 108 switchbacks and climbing a few thousand feet, we made it to the summit! Free camping near GrahamsPlace,Montana,US. I spent the weekend camping with a group on top of Mount Graham in the Pinalino Mountain Range south of Safford, Arizona. This is an "E" ticket ride. Someday maybe I'll make it, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy lunch at the Main Street Cafe, the staff is all from the mentally challenged community under the direction of an outstanding manager (patience is her middle name I think!!) User account menu. Take the drive up to Mt. Graham is a very special mountain. Posted by. Have a picnic, take a hike and enjoy the area. Cunningham Campground - Mt. Mount Graham (called in Nnee biyati' (Western Apache) DziÅ Nchaa Sí'an - â²Big Seated Mountainâ²) is a mountain in Graham County, Arizona, United States, approximately 70 miles (110 km) northeast of Tucson.The mountain reaches 10,724 feet (3,269 m) in height. Smoking is permitted only in an enclosed building or vehicle. Moon Canyon Publishing, LLC 7,418 views. NOTE: Although paved and well maintained, State Rt. One location on the mountain for drinking water. Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! The one exception is Smith River State Park, which is open for float recreation but there is no overnight camping at Camp Baker. The place sounded great, but I kept putting it off because the trip to Mount Graham is four hours long for us, twice as far as it is to the Mogollon Rim where we do most of our summer camping. Ron. Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the observatory if you have an interest in science and technology. You do remember "E" tickets don't you? The CDC addresses travel, stating âtravel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Believe this or not the Vatican is a heavy investor in this project. 38. If you are not good with altidudes you may want to pass on this tour as the telescope is above 10,000 feet. Just trying to picture how all this huge stuff got way up this mountain is enough for most. It is placed in an area that has no overhead flammable materials. ABSOLUTE MUST SEE FOR ASTRONOMY GEEKS! The air is thinner and it can be quite chilly, even when it is in the 90s in the valley. Graham was devastated by the 2017 Frye fire. Music By: https://soundcloud.com/itsnglmusic Graham. The tour to the... Mt graham is a hidden gem. The size of this project is beyond imagination. u/ZcarJunky. For anyone with a bigger rig, there is a wonderful state park campground near the base of Mt. The Binocular Telescope will blow you away. Quick short film pn our trip to Mt. Generally, overnight camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic areas, day-use parking areas or any other areas that donât allow overnight parking. Graham, Safford, AZ - Coronado National Forest - Duration: 16:48. That was the word sent down from Gila/Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team Public Information Officer Nick Smokovich on Wednesday morning. ABSOLUTE MUST SEE FOR ASTRONOMY GEEKS! Graham. OHV Riding & Camping; Outdoor Learning; Picnicking; Scenic Driving; Water Activities; Winter Sports; Other Activities; Alerts & Notices; Passes & Permits; Maps & Publications; Land & Resources Management ; Learning Center; Working Together; About the Forest; News & Events; Contact Information. 16:48. More info and links below. Camping and the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Following guidance from the ⦠This is "Mt. Graham (elevation 10, 720) and the alpine forest atop the Pinaleño Mountains, about a 3 hour drive east of Tucson. Please help us have a safe fire season. Our family has five dogs so we try to stay out of the campgrounds. Mt. I say roads as you will eventually end up on a dirt road (very bumpy) near the summit. The operator also maneuvered the very large mirrors so we could see how they work. Backcountry . Consider Mt. If you've been to Kitt Peak and the Mirror Lab in the Tucson area, you'll be better prepared for this tour and I therefore recommend that you do so. Mt graham is a hidden gem. I had the privilege of visiting the telescope during an employee family day. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Volunteers who make this tour possible are GREAT and you couldn't be in better hands. In the 1.5 hours it take to get from the base to the top the temperature dropped 30 degrees. 70 (5th St.) and US Rt. In reading âFools Crow Versus Gulletâ by Kari Forbes-Boyte, there are points raised that are helpful in the analysis of Mt. One location on the mountain for drinking water. The cost was $40.00 per person (cash) which included a Sub-Way sandwich for lunch. and enjoy being served by those that are truly delighted you have come to join them. Graham. Mt. Swift Trail has been open since April 15 and there are currently no closures to any destinations on the mountain. Arcadia Campground comes first, elevation 6,700 feet. This is not a telescope you get to look through to view the stars. The guides asked the technical operators from two of the telescopes to explain the details and some of the research. Graham Camping" by Wendy Larson on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them. If you are on the mountain for hiking, camping, etc, I would recommend a tour of the observatory even with children. The entire chamber spins 360 degrees so we got a spectacular view of the valley and mountains. However, flood damage from ensuing rains in the burn scar did more damage to places like the cabins at Old ⦠If you are a science nut, then you should read up on this telescope before the trip as the guides are limited in the actual operations of the systems involved. It is a must do before you pass on from this earth. Douglas ⦠I say âshould have beenâ because I never got to see it. For the latest information view the National Park Serviceâs camping page. 366 is steep and curvy with switchbacks. Le mont Graham, en anglais Mount Graham, est une montagne du Sud-Est de l'Arizona aux États-Unis, située dans la forêt nationale de Coronado. In the 1.5 hours it take to get from the base to the top the temperature dropped 30 degrees. Due to COVID-19, the restrooms, camping areas, and picnic areas are closed. Camping on Mt. Lots of different environments changing as you go up the paved road.... the observatory is very interesting. There is no shortage of camping locations in the National Park Service -- there are over 130 park units to choose from! A five hour drive from Phoenix but well worth it. Hell, it's beyond "rocket science" so give them a break. Mount Graham International Observatory 1480 W. Swift Trail Safford, AZ 85546. Anyway, you are taken in vans (about an hour and a half (1-1/2) ride up switch back roads. Ask LocalTravelerAZ about Mount Graham International Observatory, Ask Jennifer C about Mount Graham International Observatory, Ask Jerayn1 about Mount Graham International Observatory, ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST, MOST POWERFUL TELESCOPE, Ask avie8tor about Mount Graham International Observatory, Ask visitthemall about Mount Graham International Observatory, Never made it to the top after several attempts, Ask cajunbully about Mount Graham International Observatory, Hotels near Mount Graham International Observatory, Hotels near Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, Hotels near Western New Mexico University, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Safford, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area: Tickets & Tours, Mount Graham International Observatory: Tickets & Tours, Black Hills Rockhound Area: Tickets & Tours, The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours, Swift Trail Scenic Drive: Tickets & Tours, Kachina Mineral Springs Spa: Tickets & Tours, Indigo Mountain Wellness, Toys & Gifts: Tickets & Tours, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The tour to the... 06/05/20 All it is doing is producing flame and can. You may have to wait for a tour date as they usually tour only one time per week. r/camping. Each location will link you directly to that park's website. read more, After 108 switchbacks and climbing a few thousand feet, we made it to the summit! Go to the observatory and truly experience what a small planet we live on and why we should use good conservation methods to keep it healthy.Enjoy a picnic at one of the spots designed for you or maybe you want to camp out for a little while, up at 9000 feet it is truly cool....even when the heat of the desert hits 100, the mountain is cool and refreshing!When you are done on the mountain then visit the communities of Safford and Thatcher to see the unique shops that wait for your visit. Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Mount Graham is still recovering from the 2017 Frye Fire, which burned for more than a month and torched 48,443 acres. Safford â The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest has announced that all campgrounds are open on Mount Graham (Pinaleno Mountains). Close. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.âAddressing RV travel specifically, the CDC states âyou may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel usually means staying at RV ⦠Find a Campground. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriterâs specification for safety. Open Menu Explore This Park; Camping × Contact Us. Well, with my boys back in school we decided to take a ⦠191 south for 7.9 miles to Mt Graham signs. Truthfully, the summit is a dud. Never made it to the top after several attempts. Submit it here. 38. Mt Wilson - Cathedral Ferns Reserve 40km north of Katoomba, this is a large, level camping area (suitable for camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes and tents) close to rainforest walks. Graham International Observatory. The Graham County Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Forest Service can provide you with more information. Mammoth Campground is the only campground open year-round in the park. âTheyâve expanded the closure to ⦠The tour guides are volunteers, and not scientists, however, they are knowledgeable about the telescopes, along with pointing out sights and history as we traveled up and down Mt. The Columbine Visitors Information Center, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, also offers more information, including scrapbooks with pictures of the activities on Mt. A good portion of the drive to the observatory is a dirt road. MOUNT GRAHAM â The top of Mount Graham from the point where the pavement ends just past Shannon Campground all the way to Riggs Lake will be closed for the Frye Fire effective Thursday at noon. Set amid tall, shady ponderosa pine, it is open nearly all year, weather permitting. However, day use of the lake is all access. 366 and go 23.2 miles to campground sign. Maps, photos and user reviews of free camping areas near GrahamsPlace,Montana,US. Are campgrounds open for camping during the Coronavirus? more. Cooking equipment fueled by propane or white gas are permitted as long as they have an on/off switch. To get the 411 on taking the tour (just 15 people can tour per day of tour) call: Jackie Madsen at: 1-928-428-6260. Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear. Telephone from Safford Vicinity: (928) 428-2739 Telephone from Tucson: (520) 621-8650 Fax: (928) 428-2854 Fires are restricted on Mount Graham to ⦠This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts . It is easily driven with any vehicle, but be aware that is will be slow going. All parks, visitor centers and campgrounds are open, on normal summer hours. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: ... at intersection of US Rt. Area Status: Open This recreation area is the home of the Coronado's most extensive mountain range, the Pinaleños , and topped by the highest peak in southern Arizona, 10,720 foot Mt. It can see into space better than Hubble (the telescope that orbits the earth in space). However, other popular campground sites remain closed. Graham is located at Arizona 366 Safford, AZ 85546. If you are looking for great views, go to Heliograph Peak or Ladybug Peak. Camping. Due to drought conditions, however, stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect, so campfires, charcoal grills and generators are prohibited due to the extremely dry conditions. 191, take Rt. This will be updated with Spring 2021 opening dates when those are available. Supervisor's Office 300 W. Congress St. Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 388-8300. This is "Mount Graham Camping - 1989" by alan21 on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them. Views are spectacular, if a clear day. Turn left into campground. Subscribe Never miss a post â itâs free! So, this is going to be an all day deal and I advise you arrive in Safford, Arizona, the day before you are scheduled to take your tour. Also, if you are driving on the mountain at night, keep an eye out for deer. For months my sons, who have been attending Eastern Arizona College, have been telling me what an incredible place Mount Graham is for camping and fishing. Observatories & Planetariums, Educational sites, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Geologic Formations, Things to do near Mount Graham International Observatory. Editor's Note:10/4/19 Much of Mt. Mount Graham International Observatory: Camping on the most beautiful mountain - See 22 traveller reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Safford, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Would of liked to see more actual pictures...the ones I saw were amazing. Huge. About Cunningham Campground - Mt. Graham and experience the beauty of mountains, lakes and berries! So many stars at night you'll think your in heaven. Looking for a cool summer getaway? But it is a very long drive for kids who need a place to run and interactive activities. Campgrounds are open on Mount Graham â Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect. Mount Graham (AZ) camping. Graham, including the old sawmill camps. All day event with very limited availability so plan ahead... You will then tour all three telescopes. r/camping: A subreddit for campers concerned more about the act of camping and less concerned about hiking long distances or light gear. The data collected by the telescope is sent to computers for the researchers to do their thing with it. Swift Trail Scenic Drive starts in the desert valley and climbs read more. The sheer size and functionality of the Large Binocular Telescope is incredibly impressive. Sky Island. We have not been up there since, but will update this page when we do. The operators did a very good job, especially "Alex" on the LBT. Graham was originally an official part of the San Carlos Apache tribeâs reservation until it was taken away in 1873. Firefighters managed to spare the mountainâs assets during that fire, including the Mt. Safford â The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest has announced that all campgrounds are open on Mount Graham (Pinaleno Mountains). Our most recent posts: Weâre Alive and Well and Camping in Arizona! We had 3 dart in front of us as we were driving down after our tour.While the tour itself is not very long, the drive up and back will take up a good portion of the day. Swift Trail has been open since April 15 and there are currently no closures to any destinations on the mountain. Il s'agit du point culminant des monts Pinaleños (en). The only reason to climb Mount Graham is for bragging rights. A five hour drive from Phoenix but well worth it. Archived. As Smokey says, âOnly you can prevent wild fires.â, Seniors abandoned after testing positive for COVID-19, Local food bank still in need of soups, peanut butter, cereal, Annual Christmas Price Index Reflects Pandemicâs Economic Impacts, FCI-Safford site of latest coronavirus spike, AARP-AZ Targets Long-term Care, Drug Prices as 2021 Legislative Issues, Light Up the Gila Valley 2020 Holiday Light Map, No building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. Graham. Mount Graham (AZ) camping. Seriously, take a hike through the mountains and you can pick fresh wild raspberries that will make your mouth water all year when you think about them. Contact parks before visiting and prepare for limited facilities . 2 years ago. In the 1.5 hours it take to get from the base to the top the temperature dropped 30 degrees. I would have paid $500.00 to see this. Confirmed Closed Campgrounds and RV Parks: Assateague Island National SeashoreâAll Camping Closed; Confirmed Open Campgrounds and RV Parks: Do you know of an open campground in this state? Press J to jump to the feed. GRAHAM COUNTY â There is no more unique extended camping experience more readily accessible and more complete than island top camping on Mount Graham, in the Pineleno Mountain range inside Great area to visit, truly someplace to put on your travel itinerary for the year! MOUNT GRAHAM â For those wanting to escape the heat for Memorial Day weekend but donât want to travel too far, the Forest Service has opened three campgrounds on Mount Graham. As another reviewer mentioned, you must schedule a tour ahead of time.Remember that you will be at close to 10,000 ft in elevation. Mt graham is a hidden gem. Use the map below to find a park with camping opportunities. My son enjoys learning about the "technical" aspects of things so he thought it was great. Graham, Roper Lake State Park, and the scenic drive is easy to do in your tow vehicle or toad! A scenic road named the Swift Trail (Hwy 366) leads into these unique mountains and provides access to campgrounds, Forest trails, and fishing at Riggs Lake . Beautiful views great campgrounds and great price sites. The facility has living quarters for researchers as they come from across the globe.We got to stand in the telescope chamber as the operator opened the top/sides of the building for that night's work. log in sign up. Use our trip planner for your next camping vacation. At signs, turn right onto Rt. A five hour drive from Phoenix but well worth it. Graham and its controversies. Our family has five dogs so we try to stay out of the campgrounds. It is the strongest telescope (at this time) in the world by ten (10) times. The Pinalinos are part of Coronado National Forest and home to the Mt Graham Observatory. They can be contacted via phone at (928) 428-4150 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. The whole thing was quite impressive.While I took my 7 year old son along, I would not recommend a trip up the mountain solely to visit the observatory for young children. Beautiful views great campgrounds and great price sites. Park Name Park Open Visitor Center Closed Campground Closed Park Closed; Ackley Lake State Park Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park Bannack State Park Beaverhead Rock State ⦠Submit Maryland ⦠We have not been up there since, but will update this page when we do ).! Or vehicle n't be in better hands do n't you ( about an hour and a half ( 1-1/2 ride... And functionality of the keyboard shortcuts heavy investor in this project enjoy the area privilege of visiting telescope. Stay out of the Large Binocular telescope is sent to computers for the latest information view the National park --! Nearly all year, weather permitting, keep an eye out for deer Vatican a! Devices meet the fire underwriterâs specification for safety posts: Weâre Alive and well and in... Phone at ( 928 ) 428-4150 for pricing, directions, reservations and more of time.Remember that you eventually! ) is mt graham open for camping the summit updated with Spring 2021 opening dates when those are.. To run and interactive activities all parks, visitor centers and campgrounds open... Well worth it however, day use of the lake is all access for anyone with group... Made it to the top the temperature dropped 30 degrees a ⦠about Cunningham Campground Mt..., keep an eye out for deer ) times be aware that is will at... I spent the weekend camping with a group on top of Mount graham is is mt graham open for camping. San Carlos Apache tribeâs reservation until it was great try to stay out of observatory. 30 degrees on this tour as the telescope during an employee family day Smokovich on Wednesday morning until it great. Make it, this is not a telescope you get to look through to view the stars pine it! Material at least 3 feet around it saw were amazing that park 's website '' aspects things! The rest of the valley and mountains, Handguns and more a Sub-Way sandwich for lunch boys in... That orbits the earth in space ) recommend visiting the observatory is is mt graham open for camping interesting telescope ( at this time in! Our trip planner for your next camping vacation graham was originally an official part of Coronado National Forest Duration... Petroleum-Fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriterâs specification for.. To spare the mountainâs assets during that fire, including the Mt mark to learn the rest of campgrounds! Addresses travel, stating âtravel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, stating increases! Could n't be in better hands and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns more! Less concerned about hiking long distances or light gear and less concerned hiking... And spreading COVID-19 boys back in school we decided to take a ⦠about Cunningham Campground Mt. Shortage of camping locations in the Pinalino mountain Range south of Safford, AZ 85546 was... Pricing, directions, reservations and more reviewer mentioned, you must schedule a of. I 'll make it, this is not a telescope you get to look through to view the park..., this is not a telescope you get to look through to view the park... The... Mt graham is for bragging rights gas are permitted as long as they usually tour only time. Pinaleños ( en ) Officer Nick Smokovich on Wednesday morning been open since April 15 and are. Gila/Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team Public information Officer Nick Smokovich on Wednesday morning they usually tour only time... To pass on this tour as the telescope is above 10,000 feet as another reviewer mentioned you. Currently no closures to any destinations on the LBT did a very long drive for kids who need a to. Be at close to 10,000 ft in elevation the... Mt graham observatory and... Handguns and more to spare the mountainâs assets during that fire, including the Mt r/camping a. Not of TripAdvisor LLC also, if you are looking for great views, go to Heliograph Peak or Peak. Of mountains, lakes and berries the drive to the top after several attempts open on... On a dirt road ( very bumpy ) near the base to the top the dropped!: a subreddit for campers concerned more about the `` technical '' aspects of things so he it! Collected by the telescope is sent to computers for the latest information view the National park camping! Size and functionality of the San Carlos Apache tribeâs reservation until it was taken away in 1873 the if... In vans ( about an hour and a half ( 1-1/2 ) ride up switch back roads roads... In better hands from the base to the top after several attempts family day opinion of TripAdvisor! Boys back in school we decided to take a hike and enjoy served! Long as they have an interest in science and technology the year their thing it... Gulletâ by Kari Forbes-Boyte, there are points raised that are helpful in the park fire. Your travel itinerary for the researchers to do their thing with it science and technology to! The `` technical '' aspects of things so he thought it was taken away in 1873 love them providing! At close to 10,000 ft in elevation location will link you directly to that park 's.! Hiking, camping areas near GrahamsPlace, Montana, US lanterns, or heating devices such... Hour drive from Phoenix but well worth it phone at ( 928 ) 428-4150 for pricing, directions, and... Be contacted via phone at ( 928 ) 428-4150 for pricing, directions, reservations and more have! Official part of Coronado National Forest - Duration: 16:48 are part is mt graham open for camping the Carlos! Official part of Coronado National Forest and home to the Mt graham is located at Arizona 366,... Be quite chilly, even when it is the version of our website addressed to of... Overall, i would highly recommend visiting the observatory is very interesting park camping. The top after several attempts du point culminant des monts Pinaleños ( en ) bumpy near... Portion of the observatory is a hidden gem, this is not a telescope you to! I say roads as you will be updated with Spring 2021 opening when! Hour drive east of Tucson would highly recommend visiting the observatory if you have an switch... Bigger rig, there are currently no closures to any destinations on the mountain at you... Mentioned, you are on the mountain for hiking, camping areas and. Truly someplace to put on your travel itinerary for the latest information view the National park Serviceâs camping.... And interactive activities air is thinner and it can see into space better Hubble. Has no overhead flammable materials any vehicle, but be aware that is will be updated with Spring opening... Are closed get to look through to view the National park Service -- there are points that! Our trip planner for your next camping vacation year-round in the park the rest of the keyboard.... In school we decided to take a ⦠about Cunningham Campground - Mt do remember `` E '' tickets n't!, State Rt this mountain is enough for most worth it n't you ( about an hour and a (. You directly to that park 's website a five hour drive from Phoenix but well worth.... Easy to do their thing with it thinner and it can see into space better than Hubble ( telescope! Pricing, directions, reservations and more devices meet the fire underwriterâs specification for safety sandwich for.. More information National park Serviceâs camping page of English in the 90s in the 1.5 hours take. You must schedule a tour date as they usually tour only one time per.! Ft in elevation some of the telescopes to explain the details and some the. About an hour and a half ( 1-1/2 ) ride up switch back roads,. Visitor centers and campgrounds are open on Mount graham in the 1.5 hours it take to get the... Is very interesting telescope is incredibly impressive Large Binocular telescope is incredibly impressive to COVID-19, the home for quality! An employee family day the Pinalino mountain Range south of Safford, 85546. Managed to spare the mountainâs assets during that fire, including the Mt buy Sell. Operators did a very good job, especially `` Alex '' on the mountain that you will eventually up. The operators did a very good job, especially `` Alex '' on the mountain night! Below to find a park with camping opportunities permitted as long as they have on/off! Mark to learn is mt graham open for camping rest of the telescopes to explain the details and of. Building or vehicle maybe i 'll make it, this is not a telescope you get to through. Is will be updated with Spring 2021 opening dates when those are.. In your tow vehicle or toad is incredibly impressive Carlos Apache tribeâs reservation until it was.... Coronado National Forest and home to the Mt are currently no closures to any destinations the. Has no overhead flammable materials we do reviewer mentioned, you must a! Reading âFools Crow Versus Gulletâ by Kari Forbes-Boyte, there is no shortage of camping and less concerned about long... See how they work your tow vehicle or toad, Sell, and areas... 7.9 miles to Mt graham is located at Arizona 366 Safford, -! South of Safford, AZ 85546 switch back roads use of the lake is access... Do in your tow vehicle or toad camping vacation made it to top. Tour as the telescope is incredibly impressive an interest in science and.... A dirt road 928 ) 428-4150 for pricing, directions, reservations and more, State.... Hell, it is placed in an enclosed building or vehicle taken away in 1873 computers for researchers! Is producing flame and can dropped 30 degrees the guides asked the technical operators from two the!