Hereford Trailhead | Arizona

The Hereford Trailhead is a gateway to the southern part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) in Arizona.

The Hereford Trailhead provides access to one of the lushest areas of the San Pedro River as well as the San Pedro Trail. The variety of wildlife, vegetation, and landscape features make this trip a journey worth savoring.

The San Pedro Trail is for non-motorized travel, including hiking, bicycling, and equestrian riding. Motorized travel, including motorized mountain bikes, is not permitted on the trail. The use of metal detectors is prohibited.

The trail leads to the San Pedro House along Highway 90 approximately 9.5 miles north and to Waters Road approximately 3.5 miles south.

The Hereford Trailhead includes a large, improved parking area with space for horse trailers, a picnic shelter, tables, and a toilet.

The trail to the north crosses under the Hereford Road Bridge. It follows a historic road along the scenic San Pedro River valley. The trail passes several historic farm fields, now turning into sacaton grassland and mesquite bosque. The trail passes by the Miller Backcountry Camp, approximately 6 miles north of Hereford. The camp is primitive, with tent pads, fireplaces, and a toilet.

The trail south also follows the river valley. It crosses historic farm fields, now revegetating native plant communities.

Hours and Seasons

The best time of year to visit is late October to mid-May.

Features and Services

• Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available at the trailhead.
• Toilets: There is a toilet at the trailhead as well as at Miller Backcountry Camp and the San Pedro House along the San Pedro Trail.
• Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service is generally good at this trailhead. Public internet/Wi-Fi is not available.
• Pets: Pets are generally allowed in the SPRNCA but must be kept on a leash at all times in developed areas, including trailheads, interpretive sites, and locations near the two visitor contact stations. Please pack out any pet waste.

Safety and Conditions

You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire.

There is no first aid available on-site. The nearest hospital is in Sierra Vista.

The San Pedro River is subject to seasonal flooding, and summer monsoons are common.

The region is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. Nevertheless, visitors can safely enjoy the SPRNCA. Please report all suspected illegal activities to the Bureau of Land Management or local law enforcement authorities. Avoiding contact with people exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities.

Respect and Protect

Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by staying on designated motorized routes, observing wildlife from a distance, and leaving no trace during your visit.

Vegetation, archaeological, historical, and paleontological sites and artifacts are protected by federal law. It is illegal to damage, destroy or remove any artifacts or structures.

Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.