# Morenci (Arizona)

Morenci is a copper-mining town in the Mogollon Rim in Eastern Arizona.

## Understand

Morenci and neighboring Clifton share a common history of copper mining, and are today commonly referred to as the Clifton-Morenci district. Copper was discovered in Morenci in 1872 and mining began the following year. Both towns have had a cyclical history of booms and busts, and today downtown Clifton is nearly abandoned, with most economic activity centered in Morenci. The area's largest employer is Freeport-McMoRan.
Geronimo is said to have been born near the current site of Clifton, and well-known southwest impressionist artist Ettore DeGrazia was born in Morenci.

## Get in

The only direct access to Morenci and Clifton is via US Highway 191, aka the Coronado Trail, considered to be the least-traveled federal highway in the US. The closest town of any size is Safford, which is about a 45-minute drive to the southeast.

## Get around

There is no public transportation, so it essential to have your own car.

## See

* 33.090556-109.3666671 Morenci Mine, toll-free: +1 877-646-8687. F Sa 8:30AM, 1:30PM (reservations required). Operational since 1881, the Morenci Mine is the largest open pit copper mine in the US and one of the largest in the world. Tours of the working mine provide a fascinating glimpse of the mining process. Visitors are paired with retired miners from the community. Tours last 2.5 hours and depart from the Morenci Motel. $8 (adults) $7 (seniors), $4 (youths 9-17); children under 9 not permitted; group rates offered.
* 33.089591-109.3809352 Morenci Mine Overlook. This spot provides a unique vantage point for the mining operation. Free.
* 33.05593-109.304323 Greenlee Historical Museum, 299 Chase Creek, Clifton, ☏ +1 928-865-3115, +1 928-865-2056. T Th Sa 2PM-4:30PM, or by appt. A small museum dedicated to the mining history of Clifton and Morenci. Free.

## Do

* 33.073257-109.2966741 Rock hunting in Limestone Canyon (Limestone Gulch) (northeast of Clifton). Limeston Canyon has extensive deposits of agate, red jasper, and rhyolite.
* 33.040809-109.2883532 Mares Bluff, Ward Canyon Rd (trailhead) (south of Clifton). This steep but short trail leads to a good view of Clifton and the peaks and gulleys of the surrounding area. The trail was constructed as a veterans memorial, with numerous plaques lining the path. Plan on about half an hour for the round trip hike.

## Buy

* 33.056407-109.3019061 Chase Creek Marketplace, 215 Chase Creek St (Clifton), ☏ +1 928-865-1251, chasecreek@vtc.net. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. A small shop with locally-made handcrafted gifts. (updated May 2016)

## Eat

Morenci and Clifton are not known for haute cuisine, although it is possible to get a decent meal here.
* 33.051601-109.3255051 Miners Diner, 106 Plaza Loop (Bashas' Shopping Center), ☏ +1 928-865-2213. Reliable Mexican food, free wi-fi.
* 33.050229-109.3275542 Copper Room Restaurant and Lounge, 261 Burro Alley (in the Morenci Motel), ☏ +1 928-865-4111. Buffet.
* 33.046785-109.2936453 PJs, 307 Coronado Blvd, Clifton, ☏ +1 928-865-3328. Diner food.
* 33.052127-109.3258024 R & R Pizza Express, 9 Morenci Mall (off of Hwy 191), ☏ +1 928-865-2200. The only pizza place in town, with an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

### Groceries

* 33.051434-109.3273395 Bashas', 172 Plaza (Hwy 191 and Burro Alley), ☏ +1 928-865-1820. M-F 5AM-10PM, Sa-Su 6AM-10PM. The only grocery store in town.

## Sleep

There are just a few options in town for accommodation.
* 33.050164-109.327361 Morenci Motel, 261 Burro Alley, ☏ +1 928-865-4111, tocgov@aznex.net.
* 33.052095-109.2952862 $^{[deadlink]}$ Rode Inn Motel, 30 Coronado Blvd, Clifton (off of Hwy 191), ☏ +1 928-865-4536, clifton@rodeinnmotels.com.
* 33.068775-109.3023953 North Clifton RV Park, 380 Frisco Ave (Clifton), ☏ +1 928-865-9064, toll-free: +1 928-865-4472, NorthCliftonRVPark@cableone.net. Full hook-ups for RVs, with sites for tents. Laundry facilities, showers, toilets, limited free Wi-Fi. Call for availability. RVs: $19/night, $95/wk, $325/mo; tents: $10/night. (updated May 2016)