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 September 14 at 12:50PM MST until September 14 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of Southeast Arizona, including the following areas, Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Chiricahua Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains, Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet, Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County, Tucson Metro Area, Upper Gila River Valley, Upper San Pedro River Valley and Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Well above normal moisture levels for September are expected to result in scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall today. Rain totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected with the stronger storms with isolated amounts over 2 inches possible. Areas that received substantial rainfall over the past 72 hours will be more susceptible to flash flooding. This rainfall will result in faster response in washes, creeks, and storm drainages. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
John Long Canyon Road Closure Order
Prohibits the use of any motorized vehicle on the Described Road.
Marshall Gulch Closure Order
The Arizona Trail, Marshall Gulch Trail #3, Aspen Trail #93, and Sunset Trail #90 are open to pedestrian use weekly on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and all federal holidays. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, a closure of the entire area is implemented for public safety during the…
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!