Bear Springs Badlands | Arizona

Bear Springs Badlands features rugged, eroded badlands terrain northwest of Safford, Arizona. The area contains fossil sites and eye-catching geological formations shaped by ancient sedimentary processes. Visitors can hike informal trails through this unique high-desert ecosystem, observing the effects of dramatic erosion over time.

These badlands preserve late Pliocene (roughly 3 to 3.3 million years ago) fossil trackways etched into limestone layers once deposited in ancient washes. A trackway is a sequence of footprints left by an animal as it moves across a surface like mud, snow, or sand. Camel tracks are the most common, with occasional mastodont tracks and local concentrations of the three-toed horse, Nannippus phlegon. Additional finds include antelope and goose tracks, as well as possible bear and cat impressions.  

Together, these fossils provide rare evidence of late Pliocene fauna and how they moved across the landscape. This makes Bear Springs one of North America’s most important mammal trackway sites. Visitors can also observe modern wildlife, including Gambel’s quail, javelina, deer, coyotes, and jackrabbits.

Features and Services

• Hours and Seasons: Open year-round. Spring and fall may offer the best conditions for recreating. Note that summer temperatures reach triple digits and roads can be treacherous following rain.
• Access and Parking: There are locations to pull off and park along West Tripp Canyon Road. The final 10 miles to the area are unpaved, rocky, and not regularly maintained. Four-wheel drive or high clearance may be necessary in wet conditions.
• Toilets: No restrooms are available at Bear Springs Badlands.
• Cell Service: Cell phone service is spotty and inconsistent at this location.
• Drinking Water: No potable drinking water is available. Bring plenty of water.
• Pets: Pets are allowed on a leash. Service dogs are also legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go.
• Camping: There are no formal camping facilities in Bear Springs Badlands. Dispersed camping may be available on nearby BLM public land, check with the Safford Field Office for details.
• Nearby Amenities: Safford (10 miles) offers food, fuel, lodging, and medical services.

Safety and Conditions

You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site.  

Expect potential hazards such as venomous reptiles, extreme heat or cold, and flash floods. Be prepared for changes in weather and stay informed on weather warning alerts. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.

Respect and Protect

Please practice responsible outdoor ethics, and do not collect or disturb vertebrate fossils. Learn about what can be collected from BLM-managed public lands.