According to gradinmath.com, Gila County, Arizona is located in the southwest part of the state and is bordered by Maricopa County to the west, Pinal County to the north, Graham and Greenlee counties to the east, and Pima County to the south. The county covers an area of 4,795 square miles and has a population of approximately 54,000 people.
The county was formed in 1881 from parts of Maricopa and Yavapai counties. It was named after Gila River which runs through it. The county seat is Globe which had a population of about 7,500 at the 2010 census.
Gila County has many attractions for visitors to explore including its two national forests; Tonto National Forest and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. These forests offer plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. There are also several lakes located throughout the county such as Roosevelt Lake which is popular for boating and fishing. Other attractions include historic sites like Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park which houses an ancient Salado culture pueblo ruin dating back to 1225 AD.
Famous people from Gila County include actor Robert Patrick who grew up in Globe and attended high school there before pursuing his acting career in Hollywood; former Arizona governor Jan Brewer who was born in Hollywood; professional golfer Phil Mickelson who was born in San Diego but moved with his family to Tucson when he was 8 years old; singer Marty Robbins who lived most of his life in Glendale; author Zane Grey who wrote over 90 novels while living in Payson; actor Danny Trejo who grew up in Tucson; and musician Jimmy Eat World who formed their band while attending high school in Mesa.
Gila County has something for everyone whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway with plenty of historical attractions to explore. From its two national forests full of outdoor activities to its many famous residents Gila County offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun.
Climate and weather in Gila County, Arizona
According to educationvv.com, Gila County is located in the southwestern region of Arizona and has a semi-arid desert climate. Summers in the county are very hot with temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) during the day and nights rarely falling below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). The highest recorded temperature in Gila County was 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) in July 1990. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing at night and daytime highs typically ranging between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius).
The average annual rainfall for Gila County is about 13 inches (330 millimeters) per year, most of which falls during the summer months from June through September. During this time thunderstorms can pop up quickly and often bring heavy rains, hail, strong winds, and even flash flooding. Winter months usually have very little rainfall but can bring snow to higher elevations like Pinal Peak and Mount Baldy.
The county also experiences frequent dust storms known as Haboobs which are caused by strong winds picking up loose soil particles from dry desert areas. These dust storms can be extremely dangerous as they reduce visibility on roads and highways making travel hazardous.
Gila County is also prone to extreme weather events such as floods, heat waves, wildfires, and tornadoes. Extreme heat waves can cause serious health problems such as heat exhaustion or even death if precautions are not taken. Wildfires are a major concern in Gila County due to its dry climate conditions and can spread quickly if not quickly contained by firefighters or other emergency personnel. Tornadoes occur occasionally but are usually weak in intensity compared to those found elsewhere in the United States.
Gila County has a semi-arid desert climate with hot summers, mild winters, frequent dust storms known as Haboobs, occasional snowfall at higher elevations, an average annual rainfall of 13 inches per year from June through September, and the potential for extreme weather events such as floods, heat waves, wildfires, and tornadoes.
Transportation in Gila County, Arizona
Gila County, Arizona is served by a variety of transportation options. The main mode of transportation in the county is automobile. The county is well-connected by highways and other roads that provide easy access to major cities and towns. Interstate 8 runs through the northern part of the county, providing access to Phoenix, Tucson, and other cities in Arizona. State Route 77 runs through the southern part of Gila County, connecting Globe to Tucson and beyond. US 60 passes through the western part of Gila County, connecting Phoenix to Show Low and other cities in eastern Arizona. There are also several smaller roads that connect larger towns and cities with smaller rural communities throughout Gila County.
In addition to automobile transportation, public transit is available in some areas of Gila County. The Valley Metro bus system serves Apache Junction, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe and parts of Phoenix with bus routes throughout the area. Taxis are also available in some parts of Gila County for those who need them.
For those who prefer train travel there is an Amtrak station located in Maricopa which provides service to Flagstaff as well as several other destinations throughout Arizona and the United States. There are also two airports located within Gila County; one in Mesa which serves domestic flights within the United States while the other in Phoenix provides international flights as well as domestic flights throughout North America and beyond.
Gila County also has a variety of recreational options for those looking for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or fishing along with several parks located throughout the area for visitors to enjoy nature at its finest. All these transportation options make it easy for everyone living or visiting Gila County to get around quickly and easily no matter what their destination may be.
Cities and towns in Gila County, Arizona
According to COUNTRYAAH, Gila County is made up of a variety of cities and towns that offer residents and visitors alike plenty of exciting opportunities. Apache Junction is the largest city in Gila County, located just east of Phoenix. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its proximity to the Superstition Mountains and numerous hiking trails. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with several galleries and museums to explore.
Just south of Apache Junction lies the town of Globe, home to some of the best mining history in Arizona. The Old Dominion Mine Tour offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s past while many other historic sites can be found in Globe as well. Further south lies Miami, which offers visitors a chance to explore nearby lakes and rivers or take part in some gold panning at one of the local mines.
The city of Mesa sits on the northern edge of Gila County, just west of Phoenix. It is known for its vibrant culture and vibrant art scene with several galleries and museums spread throughout the city. Mesa also has numerous parks such as Red Mountain Park or Usery Mountain Regional Park which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Payson is another popular destination located on the western side of Gila County near Tonto National Forest. Here visitors can take part in activities such as fishing, horseback riding or camping along with various festivals throughout the year including Payson’s famous rodeo held each summertime since 1884.
Finally, Show Low sits near Tonto National Forest on the eastern side of Gila County offering plenty for visitors to do such as golfing at one of its two courses or exploring nearby lakes such as Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area or Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area where you can swim, fish or just relax along its shoreline. With so much to see and do across Gila County, there’s something for everyone no matter their interests.
