Clifton is closely connected to one of the world’s largest copper mines
Clifton is a town of about 3,850 in the San Francisco River valley, surrounded by jagged, rust-colored mountains. It’s inextricably linked to Morenci, the community home to Freeport-McMoRan’s copper mining operation. Locally abbreviated to “FMI,” the copper mine is the largest in North America and one of the largest in the world. “It has a huge impact on both communities,” says Sabrina Dumas, director of the Clifton Public Library. “Everything up [in Morenci] belongs to the mine. Clifton is considered a town, but most people who live here work at the mine or send their children up to the school.”
Bungalows in Clifton and mountainous Morenci span the 20th century
Sandy, fenced yards line cracked sidewalks along the east bank of the San Francisco River. Residential streets to the west of the river form switchbacks to accommodate Morenci’s mountainous landscape. Vinyl and stucco cottages, built anywhere from 1910 to 1998, range from $140,000 to $275,000. While many homes are close to each other, some come with up to an acre of land and amenities like guest houses and horse stables.
Homes in Clifton may be at an increased risk of wildfires because of a combination of the area’s winds, dry climate and occasional high temperatures. The city mitigates the risks by restricting fires and fireworks throughout the year and performing prescribed burns.
Splash pads, skateparks and swimming pools get residents outside
Hiking trails carve through the mountains that envelop the city on all four sides, and neighborhood playgrounds and green spaces are placed throughout Clifton and Morenci's residential areas. The Clifton Splash Pad Park is a colorful place for kids to cool down during Arizona summers; it’s backdropped by rugged, rust-colored mountains, palm trees and old Spanish Revival-style buildings along the San Francisco River.
The Morenci Skatepark is next to Morenci High School and its baseball fields, and the community’s dog park is nearby. Farther north, the Morenci Community Center offers an indoor pool with a splash zone and a lazy river, an outdoor pool with six 25-meter lanes and a springboard, a fitness center with group classes and a Starbucks.
Clifton’s Nostalgic Chase Creek Street and Michelle’s in Morenci
A few trendy spas and boutiques have settled into the old storefronts on Chase Creek Street, a narrow road reminiscent of Clifton’s mining glory days. “Back in the 1800s, it was the original street of Clifton,” Dumas says. Engraved brick facades are adorned with intricate designs, and a series of crumbling white arches gives way to a towering cliffside. “It’s fairly busy. They do things like little street fairs and the Christmas light parade, which is a huge community event,” she says.
On the west end of Chase Creek Street, Los Medoza's Taco Shop, a retro-style drive-in, has an extensive posterboard menu of burritos, tacos and tortas on its wall. Michelle’s Bar and Grill in Morenci serves casual dishes like burgers, Mexican dishes and baskets of fried shrimp, fish and chicken in a dimly lit interior covered in decorated dollar bills. Bashas' for groceries is about half a mile away.
Clifton Festival of Lights is a Christmastime tradition
The city’s Christmas celebration culminates on Chase Creek Street with a themed parade. Celebrated since 1994, the event includes local vendors, musical entertainment, children’s activities and Santa Claus.
Variety of career technical education programs at Morenci High School
Children in Clifton may begin their K-12 journeys at Metcalf Elementary School and Fairbanks Middle School, both of which earn A-minus grades from Niche. They may finish their secondary studies at B-rated Morenci High School. Morenci High students may choose from a number of career technical education programs, including those in nursing services, welding technology, cosmetology and construction technology.
United States Route 191 goes to the Safford International Airport
United States Route 191 goes through Clifton, continuing north into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and connecting with Interstate 10 in the south. Drivers can follow the interstate west to downtown Tucson, roughly 175 miles away. The Safford Regional Airport, about 40 miles away, has flights to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
