Safford is the closest town (7 miles) to the basecamp up to the LBTO. It is primarily a farming and mining town, with a population of about 9,000. Some visitors to the LBTO have opted to bypass the city of Tucson and drive from the airport straight to Safford to save the driving time the next day. Others have flown into the Phoenix airport and driven to Safford if flights into Tucson are not available.
City of Safford website: http://safford.govoffice.com/
Safford Hotels
We list some of the hotels in Safford below and note their locations on this map, but note that this list may be neither current nor complete. With the recent (2006) opening of one of the largest new mining operations in North America just outside of Safford, however, it has been difficult to book hotel rooms there. But a more thorough seach online may still find you a place.
- Tour Rest Motel, 110 W 5th St, Safford, AZ 928-428-3881
- Econolodge, 225 E. Hwy.70, Safford, AZ 85546, (928) 348-0011
- Quality Inn and Suites, 420 E. Hwy.70 Safford, AZ 85546, (928) 428-3200
- Days Inn, 520 E. Hwy.70 Safford, AZ 85546, (800) 329-7466
- Olney House B&B, 1104 Central Ave. Safford, AZ 85546, (800) 814-5118
- Best Western/Desert Inn, 1391 Thatcher Blvd. Safford, AZ 85546, (800) 528-1234
- Comfort Inn, 1578 W. Thatcher Blvd. Safford, AZ 85546, (800) 228-5150