New Mexico whitewater, San Francisco River Catron county, Lower San Francisco Hot Springs to Clifton Arizona section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II     40 miles   The sections for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in New Mexico are often more forgiving than in other states, so keep in mind that a lot of the rivers in this state are suitable for beginners. The starting location is a short drive from Safford, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The nature scenery of Catron County and the water flowing gracefully down San Francisco River make the trip here     worthwhile. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking around here you won't find a large number of other rivers. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. There are some good sections to paddle in this river system, the Lower San Francisco Hot Springs to Clifton Arizona section is one of them. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. This stretch of San Francisco River in New Mexico is 40 miles long and has been rated as a class II section by American Whitewater. Now this is a pretty long section, so better bring your camping   gear along. Getting your paddling muscles activated and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great reasons to come. Whitewater paddling here in the San Francisco Mountains is a great experience. Briefly about the general area: Hiking is a popular thing to do around San Francisco River; Horse Canyon Trail Thirty-six is a tremendous local trail. You're sure to come across some nice folks from Mule Creek here, and Big Lue Canyon is certainly a good place to go to. This river has so much to offer. Not much rainfall falls here at San Francisco River. July is the wettest month with most rain, and April is the month with the least moisture. San Francisco River, Lower San Francisco Hot Springs to Clifton Arizona road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near San Francisco River.   Whitewater Near San Francisco River: San Francisco River, Catron County, 15 miles away       Class II - 40 miles long (Lower San Francisco Hot Springs to Clifton Arizona) San Francisco River, Greenlee County, 18 miles away       Class -blank- - 40 miles long (Alma to Clifton) Gila River, Greenlee County, 28 miles away       Class -blank- - 53 miles long (Virden to US Route 666) Blue River, Greenlee County, 29 miles away       Class IV-V - 34 miles long (Blue Crossing to Forest Service Road 475)   Ski Areas Near San Francisco River: Sunrise Park, Arizona , 58 miles away, 1800 foot drop, 10 lifts, 65 runs   Hotels Near San Francisco River: Comfort Inn & Suites Safford, Safford , 46 miles away Quality Inn & Suites, Safford , 46 miles away Economy Inn Safford, Safford , 46 miles away Best Western Desert Inn, Safford , 48 miles away Comfort Inn & Suites Thatcher, Thatcher , 49 miles away   Campgrounds Near San Francisco River: Coal Creek Campground, Greenlee County, 3 miles away Blackjack Campground, Greenlee County, 5 miles away Clifton RV Park, Clifton, 15 miles away   Trails Near San Francisco River: Horse Canyon Trail Thirty-six, Greenlee , 11 miles away, 9.3 hiking miles, 3378 feet elevation difference Blue River One Hundred One Trail, Greenlee , 18 miles away, 21.7 hiking miles, 3112 feet elevation difference Frye Trail Twelve, Greenlee , 19 miles away,  5.8 hiking miles, 411 feet elevation difference H L Canyon Eleven Trail, Greenlee , 19 miles away,  5.8 hiking miles, 1216 feet elevation difference Little Blue Creek Forty-one Trail, Greenlee , 19 miles away,  17.8 hiking miles, 1688 feet elevation difference Little Whitewater Trail, Catron , 20 miles away   Public Lands Near San Francisco River: Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Willcox - AZ , 60 miles away Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Silver City - NM , 60 miles away Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona , 31 miles away   Golf Courses Near San Francisco River: Greenlee Country Club, Duncan , 16 miles away