The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management sites are locations where you could go camping, hiking, or enjoy another outdoor activity. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are affordable and sometimes even free. Search "BLM camping near me" to find locations.
The Coyote Mountains Wilderness is a 5,080-acre BLM site that has stunning scenery, including rugged peaks, large open canyons, cliff faces, and rounded bluffs. Saguaro National Park is only 30 miles away from the wilderness. The largest cacti in the US are found in this park.
This loop trail in Saguaro National Park features wildflowers and the high point of the Tucson Mountains. It's accessible throughout the year.
Length: 7.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Bridal Wreath Falls Trail is one that you will want to take after a rain because the waterfall is more beautiful afterwards. You'll also want to take the hike before April when the area has more water. It's still an interesting sight, however, to view a waterfall that doesn't always have rushing water.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This out-and-back trail has wildflowers along the way and takes you to a stunning peak. It's accessible throughout the year.
Length: 9.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Mica View Cholla Cactus Forest Loop Trail also has wildflowers in addition to multiple species of cacti. You may spot birds while taking the hike as well.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Animals in this region have adapted to survive the high temperatures and scarce water supply. Wildlife that you could see during your stay include jackrabbits, roadrunners, Gila monsters, kangaroo rats, collared peccaries, and horned lizards. In nearby Mica Mountain, you could spot a black bear or white-tailed deer. Deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and badgers also inhabit the wilderness area.
You could have a picnic at Tucson Mountain Park Campground, Signal Hill, Cam-Boh Picnic Area, and the Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area. There are picnic tables, restrooms, water collection points, and two dump stations at Tucson Mountain Park Campground. The Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area provides a beautiful view of mountains in the distance and the desert. It's a mile hike to access and only has a waterless toilet. You'll have to come prepared to pack out your trash too.
If you like a challenge, consider climbing the Coyote Peak in the Coyote Mountains Wilderness. Some of the trails are overgrown, and only a few people choose to climb the peak each year. The views at the top and the satisfaction of overcoming the challenge are worth it.
Kitt Peak National Observatory offers opportunities to view the sky through telescopes during both the day and night. There are a museum and gift shop at the observatory. You could enjoy gazing at the night sky in the Coyote Mountains Wilderness too.
Many people enjoy watching the sunset at the Javelina Rocks, Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, and Gates Pass in the Saguaro National Park. There are other areas good for watching sunsets in the area too. The desert landscape makes for a unique experience that you likely can't get at home, and it's a great place to take pictures.
If you walk north of the Signal Hill Picnic Area in the Saguaro National Park, you'll find a large petroglyph site. The petroglyphs on this rocky hill were created 550–1,550 years ago.
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort and Tucson Mountain Park Campground are popular sites for RV camping near the Coyote Mountains Wilderness. You should make reservations at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort, especially if you're visiting during the winter. It offers sewer hookups, water hookups, and 50-amp electrical hookups. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 73 feet.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Snyder Hill BLM Campground. You'll also find dispersed camping at Redington Pass. If you're okay with mild highway noise, you can camp free in your RV at Old Ajo Highway.
Bring extra water with you because of the dry air in the desert. You should check in advance if a campground offers drinking water and also bring water with you on long hikes. Rattlesnakes live in this region, so you and anyone who's going with you on the trip should know what to do if you come across one of these snakes. Stay calm, and don't throw anything at the snake or attempt to kill it. It's rare for rattlesnakes to bite people. Most people who get bitten were attempting to kill the snake or were harassing it. Give the snake plenty of space, and it won't bother you. Rattlesnakes fear humans and only attack if they feel threatened.
If you want to access the Coyote Mountains Wilderness, you need to request permission from the private landholder or the Tohono O'odham Nation. Tucson, two hours away from the wilderness, is the closest major city. You'll want to stock up on gas and water before heading out to the wilderness. The Coyote Mountains Wilderness is a great place to go for solitude and a remote camping experience as it's not as easy to gain access to. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Following Leave No Trace guidelines helps keep your camping area hygienic and preserves the land. To leave no trace, you must pack out what you bring in and avoid altering the plants and landscape in any way. Also, don't take any plants, rocks, or other items from the land. If you peel fruits or vegetables, these food scraps must also be packed out. Leaving them on the ground attracts wildlife and interferes with the area's ecosystem.
From Tucson, take highway 86 W toward the Kitt Peak National Observatory. Go south on Highway 286 and you'll come across the Coyote Mountains.
Ready to visit Coyote Mountains Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
