MGIO maintains an orientation package that should also be reviewed prior to traveling to the LBT. In this package are detailed directions from the basecamp to the observatory.
Plan to drive yourself to the summit?
The drive from Tucson to Mt. Graham takes approximately three hours. Approximately two hours are on standard highways until you reach the Mt. Graham International Observatory Base Camp. The last hour is on winding mountain roads with the final six miles unpaved. Though the road is well maintained, you should be aware that conditions can change markedly on the mountain at short notice. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is always recommended and, for about half the year, you will also need chains. You should therefore ensure that the vehicle you will be using to make the trip is adequate for such a journey.
- Before leaving Tucson or MGIO, drivers should check tire pressure (including the spare), have sufficient fuel and ensure the vehicle is in good condition and has basic tools.
- Drivers and passengers must wear their safety belts at all times while the vehicle is in motion. This is a state law.
- Roads leading to the summit can be very dangerous and present a hazard to those driving or riding as a passenger. Drivers must be extremely cautious on the paved and unpaved road, and be aware of steep slopes and drop-offs.
- Drivers must obtain a radio tuned to the MGIO repeater frequency at the MGIO Base Camp before proceeding up the road to the summit. At the bottom or top of the access road, drivers must inquire on the radio if there is any down or up hill traffic on the access road and announce their departure from either location after confirmation there is no other traffic. Drivers must respond by radio to traffic inquires.
- Drivers must be alert to on-coming traffic as well as wildlife on the road. Do not litter. Do not disturb nor feed wild animals and take care not to run them over.
- Drivers must proceed with caution at all times, but particularly when visibility is poor (e.g. fog, darkness, at sunrise or sunset) or when climatic conditions (such as excess rain, snow or ice) could constitute an increased hazard risk. During winter conditions drivers must proceed with extreme caution and be prepared to use chains and drive slowly at all times.
- Drivers must obey all traffic signs and reduce speed accordingly to match current road and weather conditions. Excessive speed has been found to be a major factor in the majority of accidents that occur on mountain roads.
- Please take into account that the brakes on your vehicle must be in very good condition. They could be a lifesaver. Remember that when driving down the mountain you should always use low gears. Avoid driving downhill in a high gear with your brakes constantly applied, as doing so could mean you have no brakes left when you get to the bottom.
- Driving too close behind another vehicle making its way up or down the mountain can also be a serious safety hazard. Please allow a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Snow plows and road graders have the right-of-way on mountain roads and passing any service vehicle must be coordinated by radio contact with the equipment operator.
- For travel at night or on weekends particularly in snow or bad weather conditions, drivers should initiate radio contact with the LBTO on the mountain upon their departure from the summit or base camp and send an “all clear” signal upon arrival at their destination.
There is a possibility to arrange a ride from the basecamp to the LBT and back with observatory personnel. The times are limited primarily to early mornings (up) and afternoons (down) with the daytime crew on weekdays, and with shift changes for the science support personnal. Please indicate an interest in riding with LBTO personnel on the Visitor Reservations Form.
Tucson area to MGIO Basecamp (120 miles)
When you exit the airport, turn RIGHT onto E. Valencia Rd. Merge onto I-10 east. About 85 miles from Tucson and just a few miles past Wilcox, take US-191 (Exit 352) north (left) towards Safford. After 28 miles (7 miles before you get to Safford), turn left onto AZ-366. The MGIO Basecamp is on the right side about 1 mile up AZ-366, across the street from the state prison. MGIO provides this local map.
Phoenix area to MGIO Basecamp (170 miles)
From Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport, go east on E. Sky Harbor Blvd. Take the AZ-202-LOOP E ramp towardas Tempe. Take the AZ-101-LOOP S to US-60 east towards Globe. US-60 becomes US-70. It is about 160 miles to Safford. In Safford, turn RIGHT onto S 1ST AVE/US-191. In 7.3 miles, turn RIGHT onto AZ-366. The MGIO Basecamp is on the right side about 1 mile up AZ-366, across the street from the state prison. MGIO provides this local map.
At the MGIO Basecamp
To ensure your safety during your LBTO visit, all personnel must check in at the Base Camp to:
- Log their presence at the observatory for safety reasons
- Pick up their personal refugium permit, if not issued earlier
- Acquire an observatory access gate key
- Acquire a radio if the vehicle doesn’t have one
- Acquire a facility key if necessary
- Seek further instructions (such as weather information, radio instructions, etc.).
It is best to arrange your travels to take you through the base camp during normal operating hours (M-F 6:00-16:30 MST) if at all possible. If not, please contact us in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
How do I get the permit/radio/keys?
Road Conditions
When you are going down after dark in the winter (or even in the summer) with poor driving conditions, we strongly recommend you do the following:
- If staff are working at the LBT, make sure they know when you are leaving and have them monitor the radio until you notify them that you are safely down.
- If there is a UofA police officer on the site, please let him/her know that you are leaving the site and that you will notify him/her when you are safely off the mountain.
- If there is no UAPD or LBTO on-site staff but there are observers at the Vatican or SMT, please call one of them and ask that they monitor the radio until you are safely down. You should call them to let them know when you are safely off the mountain.
- If you are the only folks on the mountain and you are planning to leave the LBT at a reasonable time (before 9pm), call the mountain operations manager or someone else in Safford and let them know you will be coming down. They can monitor the radio for your safety until you are down. Remember, they are on the road early so that any later than 9pm is cutting into their sleep.
The purpose of this policy letter is to ensure everyone's safety. The mountain is hazardous in the winter and even in the summer when driving in the dark. Should there be an emergency, we do not want anyone to be on the mountain driving without someone designated to monitor their progress.