Greenlee County
A place where you have time to dream and space to make a difference. This web of diverse mining, ranching, and farming communities sits within a breathtaking sliver of land tucked in below the White Mountains with the Navajo and White Mountain Apache Reservations to the north, and along the fabled Coronado Trail at the state line bordering New Mexico to the east. Comprised of a handful of small mining and farming towns including Clifton, Duncan, Guthrie, Sheldon, Morenci, York, and Franklin; Greenlee is certainly off the beaten path - but what a path it is! Surrounded by unmatched scenic beauty, this is a drive that so few take but so many will take again. The beautiful Gila River valley with its open fields, abundant wildlife, and rockhounding areas accent the ring of resiliency that can be felt on every surface and seen in every building in the area.
If the mine provides the backdrop for Greenlee, the people provide the story. You won’t visit a place across this great state that is more welcoming than Greenlee. Maybe it’s the importance of collaboration that binds them, or maybe it's pure heart and dedication, but each person has carved out their own way to contribute to the success of their community. From the restoration of the Morenci Miners Local 616 Union Hall to the revitalization of The Simpson Hotel in Duncan, you can see the fortitude of so many to restore and maintain the history of Greenlee. Visit Greenlee and take a journey where arrival at your destination is only the beginning.
How To Use
Use this interactive itinerary to build your trip! Each category recommends a number of stops to help you get the fullest experience during your visit. Simply hover over any photo for a brief description then click the circle to add a listing to your itinerary (click again to remove it). Once you've completed your itinerary, enter your email address and click submit to have it delivered straight to your inbox. Happy traveling!
Arts & Culture (Recommended up to 2)
In a place as rich in industrial history and mining heritage, you may not expect to find the passion for art that Greenlee exudes. With hidden artistic and cultural gems spattered across the area like “The Strike” mural or the art collection of The Simpson Hotel, the area touts unique art just waiting to be admired by locals and visitors alike.
Unique experiences and authentic small-town hospitality can be enjoyed during this gala. The Art Exhibit celebrates copper’s array of rich pigments and its importance to life by showcasing many artists who include its magic in their work
Duncan’s Visitors Center includes a unique art gallery and gift shop, and a wealth of information on Duncan Valley’s history. Pick up a self-guided map here, and enjoy a day-tour through Duncan exploring its historical buildings.
This shop houses a collection from all around the world - accumulated through decades of rockhounding, buying, and trading. This shop offers local elements of fire agate and petrified wood, handcrafted items, Afghans, jewelry, and beyond.
This Hal Empie classic “Greenlee”, hangs in the cafeteria of the Duncan High School. It depicts an amazing 40 characters, including people, animals, landmarks, lifestyle, transportation, and local flora and fauna.
Visit a century-old inn, a gourmet bed & breakfast, and discover a region of rivers, mountains, canyons, backroads, farms and ranches, and real cowboys. They also have the largest collection of original art hanging.
Built in 1916, the hall is home to the famous mural commemorating the 1983-1986 United Steelworkers strike. The mural commemorates the legendary labor activist Cesar Chavez, among other symbolic figures.
History, Heritage, & Tradition (Recommended up to 4)
With a proud history deeply staked in the railroad and traditions representative of ranching, farming and Native American heritage, Greenlee embodies a time where hard work and determination built a foundation for many generations to come.
The locomotive of the Coronado Railroad now sits next to the Clifton Cliff Jail. The Jail was blasted from solid rock and built into the side of the cliff in 1881. Visitors can enter to experience the conditions of justice of the old west.
“Copperhead,” was the first baby-gauge locomotive to arrive in AZ from 1897-1922. After being rebuilt from parts of engines, the locomotive was put on display at the Clifton Plaza in 1937 and can be seen in front of Clifton's Cliff Jail.
This Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of historic and cultural resources. The building is an artifact in itself - built in 1913. Stop by on select days and get to know the people and their achievements of the past years.
Home to “America’s Long Walk for Freedom” hiking trail with a 300’ steep climb which leads to a scenic overlook of South Clifton. This trail honors all US armed forces veterans with many who visit considering it a “place of healing”.
This machine represented the cutting edge of mining technology in the late 19th century. When the mine shut down in 1923, it was stranded for 67 years. The "No. 5" was eventually put on display in the Morenci Plaza on January 18, 1991.
The Clifton Visitor Center should be your first stop for information all about Greenlee. Located in a historic train depot, volunteers will guide you on places to see, things to do and help you make the most of your time in Greenlee.
Wine & Dine (Recommended up to 4)
Greenlee is a place where you’ll always find yourself dining in a ‘locals' favorite’ greasy spoon. With locally owned restaurants in every town throughout the area, you can be assured that Greenlee’s food selection will satisfy any craving.
El Corralito provides a friendly atmosphere with a wide variety of Italian and Mexican cuisine and is the place to stop for a calzone with a glass of beer or wine when in the area.
Humble Pie in Duncan is actually the original owner of the name and not affiliated with popular city chains, but you will find delicious Sicilian-style and Chicago-style pies. A great stop to feed your pizza craving.
Los Mendoza has a cool, retro vibe providing mostly take-out authentic Mexican tacos, burritos and more. Try their carne asada fries and anything with their fresh and delicious pico de gallo.
The friendly staff welcomes you into this lively haunt, clearly a favorite of the locals. Michelle’s offers a good variety of craft beers along with a diverse menu of Mexican cuisine and pub food, all with a spicy twist.
Spend quality time with friends and bowl a few games while enjoying a menu of sandwiches, pizza, salads.
A local place, often used for delivery but offering pizza, wings and a salad bar along with a friendly staff. Try something different with their teriyaki wings or one of their pizzas and you’re sure to have a fulfilling meal.
Just ask for the Big Rig - a hidden item not on the menu but the meal you were looking for that you didn’t know could exist for the price. The Single Jack Restaurant is attached to the Morenci Motel and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A local favorite and now run by the original wait staff, The Miner’s diner serves up a Mexican-American menu with a separate bar next door so you can get a drink with dinner. Come in for a game of billiards or to catch the latest game!
Looking for a meat and potatoes kind of meal? The Ranch House is the place to stop for ribs, wings and of course, steak along with a full menu filled with American fare options and a bar
Outdoor Sports & Recreation (Recommended up to 2)
There are few places that showcase as diverse a natural environment as Greenlee County, Arizona. If you are planning your next outdoor adventure, Greenlee has miles trails for anyone on two wheels that take you from the low lying desert, all the way up to the thick forest pines. Greenlee also touts an array of well-documented birding and wildlife locations that bring many visitors to the region each year.
Known to locals as Old Safford Road, this route boasts spectacular vista views of the Gila and San Francisco River Valleys. There are many opportunities for camping, bird watching, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and river floating.
The Clifton Splash Pad is a new, fun outdoor experience for the whole family. Open from May to September, the splash pad contains something for everyone to stay cool.
Formerly known as Route 666, The Coronado Trail connecting Clifton to Alpine is one of the greatest roadways in the US. The trek retraces the journey of the Spanish Conquistadors of the 1500s, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
All along the Coronado Trail, explore trails, parks and rec areas. Check out Granville and Blue Recreation Areas, along with Strayhorse, Eagle Creek, Hannagan Meadow and the Cold Creek area along Highway 78 from Three Way to Mule Creek.
If birding is your passion, this is a one-mile walking loop located in Duncan on the east side of Main Street before heading north across the Duncan Bridge, to easily catch a glimpse of over 300 species of birds that inhabit the area.
A source of recreation featuring a rodeo arena, boarding stables and mud drag race track. Board your horses during a stay here, and gear them up for one of our small town country parades or a ride trails found throughout the area.
This center serves as a hub of many of the activities offered in the area through Parks and Recreation, as well as other clubs and interests. The center houses a fitness center, indoor water park, kid care facility and rock climbing wall.
This overlook offers spectacular views of the ever-changing Freeport-McMoran’s Morenci Mine. A haul truck tire is displayed showing the true scale of the heavy equipment being utilized below. From above, the machinery looks toy-like.
Easily find fire agate, quartz crystal rose, geodes at the one of the nation’s largest rockhounding sites amongst a snow-like blanket field of chalcedony just waiting to be picked up off the ground.
In honor of the Lazy B Rancher’s daughter, Sandra Day O’Connor, who grew up in the Duncan Valley. After beautification efforts, this park is an easily enjoyed walking/jogging path, and a site to behold while traveling eastbound on US 70.
Local Lodging (Recommended up to 1)
Greenlee County boasts the opportunity to stay at a centuries old inn where you can live history as you stay on Duncan's Main Street.
Visit a century-old inn, a gourmet bed & breakfast, and discover a region of rivers, mountains, canyons, backroads, farms and ranches, and real cowboys. They also have the largest collection of original art hanging.