Reef Townsite Group Area

Summary

Reef Townsite is located on the Coronado National Forest and was once an old mining town. It offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities including an interpretive history trail, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Facilities include a picnic shelter, grills, toilets, a parking area and a large shaded area for tents. This high-mountain area is nestled in the Huachuca Mountains and boasts beautiful views, wildlife and a cool respite from the desert heat in summer.

Overview

This high-mountain group campground and day use area is located on a site that was once occupied by the old mining town of Reef. Many relics of Reef's mining history, including the remains of the town's old water system, are still visible in and around the campground. Groups of up to 50 people can enjoy walking an interpretive history trail, hiking, horseback riding and watching wildlife in this cool mountain setting.

Recreation

Reef Townsite Loop Trail, an interpretive trail that highlights the mining history of this area and showcases beautiful views, begins and ends at the northeastern edge of the campground.

The national forest has a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails for those who wish to leave the facility for a day trip.

Facilities

Reef Townsite can accommodate one group of up to 50 people at a time. Facilities include a picnic shelter that contains six picnic tables, two large group barbecue grills and two food preparation tables, as well as toilets, a parking area and a large shaded area for tents.

Natural Features

This site rests on the "Reef" rock formations in the in the Huachuca Mountains. At an elevation of 7,200 feet, it provides a cool respite from the heat of surrounding lower deserts in summer.

The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.