Riggs Lake

About

Riggs Flat Campground is located at the terminus of Swift Trail (AZ 366), a scenic mountain road winding through the Pinaleno Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The centerpiece is Riggs Flat Lake, an 11-acre impoundment created in 1957 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for recreational trout fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout during the open season. The campground sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation in an alpine forest and meadow setting. West Peak is visible from the lake area, and short hikes provide overlooks of Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro Mountains to the west. This is active black bear country, so all food must be stored in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles with windows fully closed. The access road includes 12 miles of narrow, winding switchbacks that make vehicles and trailers over 22 feet impractical. Swift Trail closes annually from November 15 through April 15 due to snow, with early or late storms potentially extending the closure period.

Directions

From Safford, drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366/Swift Trail. Turn right (southwest) onto 366 and drive 29 miles to the Columbine Visitor Center. Continue along Forest Roads 803 and 287 about 5 miles to the campground. The last 12 miles are narrow and winding with switchbacks.