When
early settlers ventured up Mount Graham, the Arcadia area
was usually as far as they got on the first day. A little
later in the history of the Pinaleños, Arcadia was
the site of one of several Civilian Conservation Corps camps
established in the 1930’s to provide jobs for workers
idled by the Great Depression. Today, Arcadia Campground
is the first campground visitors encounter on their way
up Mount Graham by way of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), which
was built by those Depression-era workers.
Arcadia
Campground is shaded by stands of tall ponderosa pine interspersed
with Gambel oaks and Arizona walnuts. Such a diverse habitat
makes this an excellent area for bird watching.
No
water is available, you must bring your own.
Notes:
No water; bring your own.
Watch for poison ivy.
RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than
21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating
the switchbacks on AZ 366.
Arcadia Trail #328 begins at Arcadia and ends at Shannon
Campground (5.5 miles).
Nearest first aid - Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford,
19 miles.
Check local road conditions during winter months.
Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground.
The
Arcadia Trail starts here and leads up the mountain to Shannon
Campground. A one mile spur off this trail leads to the
top of Heliograph Peak.
Location: Arcadia Campground is in the Pinaleño Mountains
19 miles southwest of Safford.
Access: From Safford drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ
366. Turn right (southwest) onto AZ 366 and drive 11.6 miles
to the campground entrance on the right side of the road.
Check local road conditions during winter months.
