Gila Box is the standout natural sight near Safford, a protected riparian corridor where the Gila and San Francisco rivers cut through desert canyons. Cottonwoods, mesquite, sandy beaches, cliffs, and perennial water make it feel very different from the surrounding dry country.
It is good for hiking, birding, rough-road exploring, and, when water levels cooperate, river trips. Roads can be primitive, so check conditions and do not treat it like a paved city park.