About UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE
Overview At an elevation of 7,400 feet, Upper Twilight Group Site offers groups a secluded camping escape from the summer desert heat. The scenic mountain setting is a great base for hiking, wildlife viewing and picnicking. The facility sits along the Swift Trail in southeastern Arizona, adjacent to Lower Twilight Group Site. Recreation The campground lies along the Swift Trail Scenic Drive, which takes visitors from the Sonoran Desert at 2,900 feet to alpine meadows and forest on the 9,000+ foot ridges of the Pinaleño Range. Because of its diverse habitat, the area is well-known for birding and wildlife watching. The Swift Trail provides access to a number of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails, along with several other campgrounds that invite you for an afternoon picnic. A trip up to Rigg’s Lake, stocked with trout by Arizona Game & Fish, or to the Columbine Visitors Center could make a worth-while day trip as well. Facilities Upper Twilight can accommodate a single group of up to 50 guests. Amenities include vault toilets, parking areas for up to six vehicles, picnic tables, and a group campfire ring with a grill. Bear-proof food lockers and trash cans are provided to keep visitors and wildlife safe. Dead-and-downed firewood may be collected in and around the campsite. Natural Features The campground lies beneath a nice canopy of ponderosa pine trees in the scenic Pinaleño Mountains in Coronado National Forest. Temperatures are very pleasant in summer compared to the heat of surrounding lowers deserts. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities. Nearby Attractions The Mount Graham Wilderness Study Area, which includes the 10,720-foot Mount Graham, the tallest mountain in southern Arizona. C
How to Get There
From Safford, Arizona: Take State Route 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto State Route 366/Swift Trail and travel 14.5 miles to the Twilight Campground entrance (MM 128.4), following the road for 1 mile to the Upper Twilight Group Site. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 East for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on State Route 366/Swift Trail. Continue for 14.5 miles to the Twilight Campground entrance (MM 128.4), following the road for 1 mile to the Upper Twilight Group Site.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE
Heading to UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE?
No central reservation system listed for UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234627) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE?
From Safford, Arizona: Take State Route 191 south for 6 miles. Turn right onto State Route 366/Swift Trail and travel 14.5 miles to the Twilight Campground entrance (MM 128.4), following the road for 1 mile to the Upper Twilight Group Site. From Tucson, Arizona: Take I-10 East for 90 miles. Take exit 352 for State Route 191, and turn left toward Safford. Drive 26.3 miles north and turn left on Sta…
How do I contact UPPER TWILIGHT GROUP SITE?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-428-4150.
References & Official Resources
