The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is a division of the US Department of the Interior, and it manages approximately ten percent of the land throughout the country. Specifically, it is responsible for maintaining and preserving public lands and minerals. The Bureau of Land Management was created by President Harry S. Truman in 1946. Truman devoted a considerable amount of his time and energy to the protection and maintenance of public lands. At the same time, Truman focused on promoting the versatile usage of these lands. The opportunity for Bureau of Land Management camping is available from coast to coast. In fact, Bureau of Land Management free camping is common in most areas, but some campgrounds require reservations and charge a nightly fee. To learn more about the camping opportunities in areas that you are interested in traveling to, query “BLM camping near me.”
The Foothills Rim Trail comprises a connected series of trails that covers 10.2 miles. It is included in the trail system for the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding are permitted on the Foothills Rim Trail. Those who partake in these activities will be immersed in a stunning landscape that features volcanic rock formations and beautiful vegetation that is native to the Mojave Desert. This trail is accessible at three separate points via the Monolith Garden Trail. Campers at Foothills Rim Trail will be only a few hours away from Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.
Foothills Rim Trail is a series of connected trail loops that meander through volcanic rock formations and desert landscapes. It is popular with hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and horseback riders.
Length: 10.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail leads up into the southern foothills of the Cerbat Mountains. It crosses the Mojave Desert and granite formations. At the same time, cyclists and hikers can enjoy several scenic views.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This challenging trail is accessible through the Badger Trail and the Camp Beale Loop, which is maintained by the city of Kingman. While minimal shade and no water are available on the trail, it offers stunning valley views and passes by beautiful rock formations.
Length: 5.65 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
The Monolith Garden Trail is popular with hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Linked to the Camp Beal Loop Trail, it winds through the desert landscape and around volcanic rock formations.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Easy to moderate
From this BLM RV camping area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a reasonably short drive away. At Lake Mead, both fishing and boating are popular. The lake is most popular for fishing for striped bass. However, the lake is also home to crappie, rainbow trout, sunfish, catfish, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. Fishing is available through excursions by land and by boat.
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity at the Foothills Rim Trail and throughout the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. There is an abundance of flora and fauna that are native to the area. These may be viewed along the trail and throughout the surrounding areas. Plants native to the Mojave Desert are mesquite, creosote, prickly pear, beavertail, and yucca. Some of the more notable animals that may be spotted along the Foothills Rim Trail are mule deer, mourning doves, Gambel’s quails, foxes, coyotes, and Sonoran tortoises.
While the Foothills Rim Trail is moderately strenuous with rough terrain and elevation changes, it is a popular spot for horseback riding. Those who choose to ride a horse across the trail can appreciate the full splendor of the landscape and may spot various smaller and larger species of mammals and reptiles that call the area home.
BLM RV camping is available near the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. Fort Beale RV Park offers full hookups and a wide range of amenities. These include a pool, a dog run, restrooms, and laundry service. Another option is the Kingman KOA Journey, which offers full RV hookups, a hot tub, and a pool.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are typically free, and this is the case with spots near Foothills Rim Trail. Free primitive camping is available in the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area at the Wild Cow Campground. These spaces are large and dispersed. You may need an all-terrain or four-wheel-drive vehicle to access many of the spots.
The Foothills Rim Trail is a beautiful destination that gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy an immersive experience with Arizona’s stunning natural landscapes. Summer months in the Mohave Desert are known for intense heat. The most temperate times of the year to visit are in the fall, winter, and spring months. Keep in mind that temperatures throughout the year may drop significantly at night regardless of the season. Because it is dry throughout the year and water is not provided along the trail, it is important to bring ample water for outdoor recreation. While the area is dry, flash floods can occur at times. Avoid creek beds and gulleys when it is raining.
As is the case at many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, reservations are not available. However, visitors can call ahead to ensure that a spot is available before arriving. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The preservation of natural areas is critical. Visitors to any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and all other outdoor areas are required to leave the spaces as they found them. This includes taking waste with you. It also includes leaving everything from animals and plants to rocks and more where you found them. In addition, fires are only permitted in designated areas.
The Foothills Rim Trail is located only a short distance from US Highway 93, making it easy to access. From Kingman, travel on Interstate 40 West to reach Highway 93. After taking Exit 48 North, continue driving roughly six miles until you reach the Agua Fria Drive crossover. Turn south at the crossover, and travel another 4.1 miles. There, you will find the parking area for the trailhead.
Ready to visit the Foothills Rim Trail? 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.
