Upper Hospital Flat Group Site
Open for the season from April 15 through November 14. Swift Trail closes to vehicles from November 15 to April 15 due to snow; early or late snow may extend closure dates. No current fire restrictions are in effect.
Flood Watch issued July 16 at 12:54AM MST until July 16 at 9:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rain in a short period of time. The excessive rain will lead to increased chances for flash flooding. The heavy rain will also lead to significant flow in area washes, creeks, and rivers. * WHERE...A portion of Southeast Arizona, including the following areas, Chiricahua Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains, Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet, Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, Upper Gila River Valley and Upper San Pedro River Valley. * WHEN...From 2 PM MST this afternoon until 9 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Daytime heating will combine with a very moist atmosphere to produce scattered showers and thunderstorms which will be capable of very heavy rain. Isolated rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Marshall Gulch Area Closure
Marshall Gulch area closed during reconstruction of picnic area and trailhead
Ski Run Road Closure
PURPOSETo protect public health and safety from potential hazards. This closure is necessary to remove hazard trees and snags overhanging the road.
About
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site offers groups a high-elevation escape in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona. At 9,000 feet, the campground provides cool summer temperatures and sits along Big Creek in a mixed conifer forest adjacent to a meadow that blooms with wildflowers in late summer. The site can accommodate groups of up to 50 people and is located along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive, which traverses from the Sonoran Desert floor to the alpine ridges of the Pinaleño Range. The area has historical significance: in the 1880s, this location served as a field hospital for soldiers from nearby Fort Grant, and later attracted officers and their families seeking refuge from desert heat. Today, the campground serves outdoor enthusiasts with access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding trails, and nearby attractions including Riggs Lake (stocked with trout) and the Columbine Visitors Center. This is primitive camping in black bear country. Campers must secure all food in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles. Due to the switchbacks on AZ 366, vehicles over 22 feet are not recommended, and the maximum vehicle length is 40 feet. The nearby Hospital Flat Campground offers additional first-come, first-served individual sites.
Directions
From Safford, Arizona: Take State Route 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto State Route 366/Swift Trail and travel 23.3 miles to the Upper Hospital Group Site entrance on the right (MM 137.2). From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 east for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail. Continue for 23.3 miles to the entrance.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 428-4150 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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