The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
There are hundreds of Bureau of Land Management sites located throughout the United States. Visitors are welcome to explore the sites and camp at the many Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds, including that of Grand Gulch Mine in northwest Arizona.
Grand Gulch is an abandoned copper mine located in the northwest corner of Arizona, roughly three hours from St. George, Utah. The park features several structural ruins and items dating back to the late 1800s. Since the park is located in a remote section of Arizona's high desert, visitors typically enjoy multiple days of Bureau of Land Management camping while they're here. BLM RV camping is available at the mine site and other Arizona Strip BLM parks. Search "BLM camping near me" to find suitable accommodations.
This 41-mile out-and-back trail is popular with ATVs and other off-road vehicles. It takes you from the Mount Trumbull Schoolhouse to the Grand Gulch Mine. Hikers and bikers should be prepared to camp along the road and be out of cell range for multiple days, as this is an exceptionally remote area of the Mohave desert.
Length: 41 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Mount Dellenbaugh Summit Trail takes roughly five hours to complete. Hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the western Grand Canyon and the Arizona Strip.
Length: 5.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This scenic mountain trail provides an incomparable look into Hell's Hole. It is located at the end of BLM 1064 and is a one-mile loop that can be completed in less than an hour.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This one-mile trail is located along Country Road 111 in the Mohave Desert. It is an excellent spot for viewing the desert flora and fauna. The trail takes less than an hour to complete.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
The Arizona Strip is home to some of the nation's most unique wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and desert tortoises. The mountain peaks that make up the Arizona Strip's high country are some of the best vantage points for wildlife viewing. However, sightings are also quite common around the monument.
The defunct mine headquarters, which is the site of two ore-hauling dump trucks and a crumbling stone building, is an excellent spot for a midday picnic. There are no picnic tables, grills, or bathrooms. However, visitors get an unmatched glimpse into the mine's previous operations.
Visitors with off-road vehicles may enjoy taking the lesser-used trails within this BLM site. ATVs can be used to climb the canyon's large boulder stacks. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Arizona's rules and restrictions regarding off-high vehicles on public lands before embarking on any adventures.
BLM RV camping is available at Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area along Interstate 15. The campground is located off Exit 18, just 16 miles northeast of Littlefield, Arizona, and has several amenities, including paved access roads, pull-through parking, and drinking water. There are over 74 first-come, first-served sites with vehicle and RV parking.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Grand Gulch Mine site. Many visitors opt to camp along the nearly 160-mile stretch of remote road that is located within the BLM site. Always choose a durable gravel surface, camp away from drainage, and move your campsite every two to three days. The park only offers primitive dispersed camping. As such, there are no restrooms, dump stations, or other amenities located within the park.
Grand Gulch Mine is accessible most of the year. However, rangers warn visitors to avoid the area between July and September. During this time, the area is subject to flash floods, and the roads are often inaccessible. If you do travel to the mine during this time, bring a shovel. Be prepared to dig out your vehicle. Campers should also avoid the area during January. During this time, the snow can make the already rough roads completely inaccessible.
Grand Gulch Mine is located nearly 200 miles from civilization. As such, you should bring at least three days' worth of food, water, fuel, and other supplies. Let someone know your full itinerary, including the date you plan to return. Moreover, consider traveling with an additional vehicle party. Most visitors report having little to no cell service within the park. As such, you may also want to bring a battery-operated citizen band radio.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors should leave no trace when visiting Grand Gulch Mine and other Arizona BLM sites. The desert ecosystem is extremely susceptible to human impact. Be extremely considerate about where you park your vehicles. Rotate site locations every two to three days. Carry out any trash you generate during your visit. Bathe, wash, and defecate away from natural water sources. Disassemble any structures used for fires.
Grand Gulch is roughly three and a half hours from the BLM office at 435 East Riverside Drive in St. George, Utah. To get there, you must take South River Road. Next, travel 38 miles south along BLM Road 1069. Turn right onto County Road 103 and continue 26 miles. Turn right onto BLM Road 1002. Continue 14 miles. Your destination is at the end of Grand Gulch Mine Road in Littleton, Arizona.
Ready to visit Grand Gulch Mine? 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 of 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.
