The 21-mile-long Black Hills Back Country Byway, takes you on a journey back in time to the Old West. Try to imagine the first travelers on this road, rugged pioneers who lived close to land.
The Black Hills Back Country Byway is unpaved, but is accessible to high clearance vehicles during dry weather. Portions of the byway have narrow drop-offs or are confined by steep cliffs. Do not attempt the byway if you have a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long. Motor homes and trailers can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end. Always expect a vehicle around the next bend and remember: mountain courtesy gives uphill traffic the right of way.
Allow at least two hours driving time to travel the byway. If you plan to stop and enjoy the scenery or explore some of the side routes, your travel can be extended. If you choose to be more adventurous and travel some of the side routes, remember all of these single lane roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These roads are not maintained and portions can be steep, rough, and rocky. Washes crossing these routes tend to make it difficult to tell where the road is at all times.
Details
Location:
About 8 miles south of the town of Safford
Surface:
Maintained Dirt or Gravel
Suitable Vehicle:
High Clearance Vehicle
Length:
21 miles
Time:
2 hours
Main Roads:
Old Safford Rd and Black Hills Back Country Byway
Season:
Drivable year round
Additional Details:
To get there from Safford, drive 10 miles on Hwy 70 to its junction with Hwy 191. Turn left onto Hwy 191 and continue 8 miles to milepost 160 and turn right onto the the scenic byway.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
To get there from Safford, drive 10 miles on Hwy 70 to its junction with Hwy 191. Turn left onto Hwy 191 and continue 8 miles to milepost 160 and turn right onto the the scenic byway.
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