Warm Spring
Warm Spring flows at 73°F near Morenci in Greenlee County, running 12 degrees above ambient at 3,620 feet elevation in BLM canyon country.
The spring emerges in rugged Gila River canyon terrain where high desert transitions to mountain zones. A short 640-foot walk from Black River Road leads through riparian vegetation to this modest thermal feature overlooking the river.
USGS analysis confirms slightly alkaline conditions with moderate mineral content typical of desert groundwater circulation. The spring's 12-degree temperature rise reflects gradual heating through typical crustal circulation in the transition zone between high desert and mountains.
A short walk from Black River Road provides easy access to this BLM-managed site. Riverview Campground 19 kilometers away offers first-come camping in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area with 13 sites along the river and a 14-day stay limit.
Is Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
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Riverview Campground offers a fantastic camping experience in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and is a short drive from Safford, Arizona. It is situated on a northern bench overlooking the Gila River and is surrounded by various day use sites along the river. There are 13 first come, first served campsites at Riverview Campground. Each site has picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and shade structures. The campsites were recently enlarged to improve access for trailers and RVs....