San Francisco River – Clifton Reach

The San Francisco River runs directly through Clifton’s steep canyon setting and is central to the town’s landscape and history. Arizona Game and Fish identifies the river from the New Mexico border to its Gila River confluence as providing angling opportunities for Clifton, Morenci, Safford and nearby communities, while also supporting important native fish habitat. Access along the Clifton reach is informal and location-dependent rather than a single developed recreation site. Visitors should avoid flood channels during storms and respect private property, habitat protections and posted restrictions.