Aqueduct Road

Set on BLM land in the Gila Box Riparian Conservation Area, Aquaduct Road hosts a campground, multiple day-use areas, a historic stone cabin, a wildlife viewing area, and superb views of the Gila River, near its confluence with Bonita Creek.

The track is graded dirt with loose and embedded rocks ranging from lemon to apple-sized. One steep descent to the Historic Serna Cabin pales to the steep grades and shelf roads of the paved East Bonita Creek Road you took to get here.  

The day-use areas sit alongside the Gila River, a ribbon of muddy water and bright cottonwood trees that snaked through this dry land. Serna Cabin sits near the confluence of Bonita Creek and the Gila, evidence of the first European settlers in an area inhabited for centuries. A walkway leads to a wildlife observation area overlooking Bonita Creek. The area boasts a wide variety of animal life. Bring your binoculars. Viewing is best done early and late in the day.

Riverview Campground has 13 well-spaced campsites on a bluff over a river bend. The campground is first come, first served and is only $3.00 per night, before any discount for passes. Each site has a shelter, picnic table, and grill. Most have a view of the river below. Water is available, and there is a pit toilet. A variety of cacti dot the bluff. Very large prickly pear cacti sit beside spindly ocotillo, who often nestle with a barrel cactus.