| Mount Graham, sitting at 10,720 feet in the Pinaleno Mountains, rises nearly 7,000 feet above the Arizona town of Safford. The Swift Trail, a designated State Scenic Parkway, climbs 36 miles into the Pinaleno Mountains, passing through a variety of vegetation types from low desert to fir forests. Along the way there are places to pull off the road and enjoy the vistas. The first 12 miles of road past the forest boundary are paved, then the road becomes gravel. Columbine Visitor Center was so named from the flower-dotted meadows that flourish during the summer months. The visitor center contains a number of exhibits and a children's"hands-on" area. Visitor center staff can answer questions about the Forest and recreation opportunities in the area. |
| Elevation: |
The route begins at 4,050 feet. The top of Mt. Graham is 10,720 ft. |
| Fees: |
None for day use. Fee for camping or picnicking in developed campgrounds. |
| Hours: |
The low elevation recreation areas are open year-round. The upper part of the Swift Trail is closed from about November 15 to April 15. |
| Facilities: |
The Pinaleno Mountains offer several campgrounds and picnic areas, a Visitor Center, hiking trails, historic sites, and a lake. |
| Directions: |
From Tucson, take I-10 east 88 miles to US 191. Turn left (north) and drive 26 miles to Swift Trail (AZ 366). Turn left and continue up the mountain. From Safford drive 7 miles south on US 666. Turn west at the sign and continue up the mountain. Get directions from MapQuest.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates for Heliograph Peak: 32 39.007N; 109 50.988W. |
| Weather: |
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