A Guide to the Wonders of SE Arizona and SW New Mexico
-or- Things to Do Within 100 Miles of Duncan
Select an activity from the list below and scroll down to see the results:
Sailboarding
List - Floating
Blue River Complex (AZ-NM)
Of the total 400,000-acre Blue River watershed, 99% is managed by the U.S. Forest Service for the public. Half of the watershed is a designated Primitive Area.
[ See their website ]
Floating the Gila River from the New Mexico line, at Southwest Paddlers
A very useful resource for floating the Upper Gila from Virden, NM to Solomon, AZ (right through Duncan).
[ See their website ]
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (AZ)
Hot springs, river rafting, birdwatching, and miles of trails make this accessible National Conservation Area popular but rarely crowded. Bonita Creek wildlife viewing area is accessible and has numerous interpretive displays and shade shelters.
[ See their website ]
Notes on floating the rivers
Rivers in SE Arizona and SW New Mexico are highest January through April, when snowmelt and rain prevail. Flows can be very low in May and June and then rise again during the monsoon season of July, August and September. They tend to be low again October through December. Water temperatures are very cold in winter.
San Francisco (“Frisco”) River (AZ)
An easy drive out of historic Clifton, AZ, with mountain vistas and two public river access points (they’re not marked so ask us). Easy floating after monsoon season with beautiful views and few if any people. Big Horn sheep may make an appearance.
[ See their website ]
Village of Virden (NM)
Take the 26-mile loop from Duncan and back, or turn off and continue on into New Mexico. This is a hidden agricultural paradise along the Gila River. The ruins of the old Mexican settlement of San Antonio are there. There is excellent bird-watching at the Virden Bridge. Nelda’s Quilt Shop is open most afternoons. Buy fresh produce in season at a roadside stand. No public facilities.
