York Valley

York Valley Map

The area of Apache Grove is located about halfway between Duncan and Clifton on AZ Highway 75 near MP 392. The historic monument near the Apache Grove Bar tells of conflict between the Anglos and the Apaches. This quaint farming valley is home to wildlife and tranquil grazing cattle and has seen much since this area was settled in the 1880s, including a very popular dance hall and way station between Duncan and the Clifton-Morenci Mining District. The perennial waters of the Gila River on the westerly margin attract many birds and is a wonderful wildlife viewing area.

The Apache Grove Entertainment Hall, once located near the river in the 1880s, hosted many dances on the river banks of the Gila. The original location’s slab was used for dancing as well during the 1930’s after devastating flood waters removed its building. In its later years, and the bar’s current location, music lovers would come to hear the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Slim Whitman, Spade Cooley, Bob Wills and Luke Wills, and later Bob Dylan. Famous and local artists such as Troy Olsen would gracefully perform at Apache Grove as they passed through on Old West Highway (US 70) during their touring days. Apache Grove has entertained boxing and wrestling matches as well as bull riding nights in its recent years. Now, the bar welcomes tourists of the Coronado Trail (US 191); motorcycles and sports cars are not an uncommon site in front of this famous way station.

Greenlee County Golf Course

The Greenlee County Golf and Country Club is about 2 miles north of Apache Grove on AZ Highway 75. This is a 9-hole course laid out amongst the mesquite trees in the York Valley. The clubhouse features a bar and food.

About another mile north on AZ Highway 75, you will pass by Gi’Mees Restaurant that features really good American (and some Mexican) fare and an excellent salad bar. And another mile north you will see Sexton’s Country Store.

Clifton Ranger District Apache National Forest Headquarters, located near the intersection of US 191, AZ Highway 75, and AZ Highway 78 and known as “Three-Way”, is a “must visit” with an array of information. Stop in to gather informative brochures, or have our knowledgeable National Forest Rangers answer any questions about the area’s trails, road closures, fire restrictions and any current announcements before entering forest lands. Also serving as an information center for Greenlee County, this office may direct you to the many attractions and activities available in this area.

Also at Three-Way is the 3-Way Store and Fuel Station. A couple miles east of Three-Way on AZ Highway 78 is the Greenlee County Airport.

Just north of Three-Way on US 191 is the turn-off to Guthrie, a small residential town that used to be an important railroad stop and junction. The road to Guthrie is unpaved.

The Apache Grove Entertainment Hall, once located near the river in the 1880s, hosted many dances on the river banks of the Gila. The original location’s slab was used for dancing as well during the 1930’s after devastating flood waters removed its building. In its later years, and the bar’s current location, music lovers would come to hear the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Slim Whitman, Spade Cooley, Bob Wills and Luke Wills, and later Bob Dylan. Famous and local artists such as Troy Olsen would gracefully perform at Apache Grove as they passed through on Old West Highway (US 70) during their touring days. Apache Grove has entertained boxing and wrestling matches as well as bull riding nights in its recent years. Now, the bar welcomes tourists of the Coronado Trail (US 191); motorcycles and sports cars are not an uncommon site in front of this famous way station.

Clifton Ranger District Apache National Forest Headquarters  is a “must visit” with an array of information. Stop in to gather informative brochures, or have our knowledgeable National Forest Rangers answer any questions about the area’s trails, road closures, fire restrictions and any current announcements before entering forest lands. Also serving as an information center for Greenlee County, this office may direct you to the many attractions and activities available in this area.