Small towns offer big possibilities for recreation

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  Nestled at the heart of the Copper Corridor and at the southern end of the famed Copper Triangle are the Copper Basin communities of Kearny, Hayden and Winkelman. Though small, they offer much to visitors who want to get away from the big cities.

  The Copper Basin communities are located in the beautiful upland Sonoran Desert with saguaro cactus blanketing the mountainsides and have much to offer those looking for recreation and outdoor activities. 

 Within an hour’s drive of both the Phoenix and Tucson areas, the Copper Basin offers a range of commercial businesses including gas stations, restaurants, a grocery store, convenience stores, a motel, a hardware store, auto parts stores and many others.

  The area also offers limitless possibilities for recreation and outdoor activities.

The Kearny Lake is one of the assets of the Copper Corridor. Photo by James Carnes

  Fishermen will appreciate the challenges of the Gila River, which flows through Kearny and Winkelman, and hunters will find the surrounding areas has a variety of large and small game and birds (quail, dove, deer and javelina). The Gila River is such a gentle flowing river, kayakers and tube riders enjoy floating down its peaceful surface.

  Kearny Lake is the premier recreation center of the Copper Basin. This 11 acre surface area lake is located in a 92-acre pristine natural area adjacent to the town. The park contains a campground with 12 developed sites and a restroom facility. 

  The campsites are suitable for motor homes, campers or tents, and picnic armadas are all in very close proximity to the lake. There is no charge for camping and the site is handicapped accessible. 

  Kearny has also developed an Off-Highway Vehicle Park in the foothills of the Pinal Mountains. Named the Mescal Mt. O.H.V. area, the park includes 12 campsites with armadas, picnic tables and fire pits, and potable water with restroom facilities.

  The area provides a spectacular view of the valley below and is surrounded by giant saguaros. There are numerous marked trails for riding or hiking through the untouched desert.

  Download the information sheet at http://bit.ly/mescalmtn.

  The Winkelman Flats Park is the gem of the Copper Basin. Once a thriving neighborhood in the small town, it was destroyed in 1993 by a flood. All housing was removed and the land was subsequently turned into a recreational area where today there are facilities for camping and picnicking on the banks of the Gila River. Also available are a softball field, roping arena, children’s playground and lots of beautiful scenery. The area is able to accommodate large groups of people but reservations are requested. Visit the Town Hall at  206 N. Giffin St. or call 520-356-7854 for more information.

  Other accommodations available include Breezeway MH and RV Park located off Highway 177 just north of Kearny and the Rio Vista RV Park located just off Tilbury Road in Kearny.  In Winkelman, there is the Palo Verde RV Park, located at milepost 133 on Hwy. 77. Call 520-356-7930 for more information.

  If roughing it is not your thing, the General Kearny Inn in located at 301 Alden Road in Kearny offers rooms with an outdoor courtyard and ramada. Visit GeneralKearnyInn.com or call 520-363-5505.

Kearny Golf Course

  Other outdoor activities includes Kearny Golf Course, a Par 70, 18-hole course with very reasonable rates. Cart rental is available and tee times are not required. Tournaments are also scheduled on a regular basis. Call 520-363-7441 for more information.

Hayden Golf Course

  The Town of Hayden offers a beautiful golf course, baseball and softball facilities, RV locations and picnic areas, all located at Hastings Park. The nine-hole Hayden Golf Club in Hayden, Arizona is a public golf course. Hayden Golf Club measures 2,915 yards from the longest tees. The course features two sets of tees for different skill levels. Tournaments are also regularly scheduled. Call the town for more information at 520-356-7801. Or drop by the Town Hall located at 520 Velasco Ave.

#discovercoppercorridor

Staff (5796 Posts)

There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.


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