Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area

The United States features hundreds upon hundreds of outdoor federal lands, and the task of protecting them falls to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These sites feature a huge variety of ecosystems, geographical features, activities, and attractions, but every one of them has something unique to offer. Because the majority of them feature either established campgrounds or areas perfectly suited for primitive camping, travelers and adventurers frequently visit the sites to participate in BLM RV camping. If you enjoy sleeping under the stars surrounded by nature and fresh air, you should consider giving BLM camping a try.

If you're in or plan on traveling to Western Arizona, one worthwhile BLM site is the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area. The sprawling stretch of land comprises just over 37,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, escarpments, and sandstone buttes. Located just north of the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the site provides opportunities for primitive camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Grand Canyon via Whitmore Canyon Trail

The Grand Canyon via Whitmore Canyon Trail is a fairly short out-and-back trail located at Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. The route, which is great for hiking and trail running, features breathtaking views of the area and interesting geological formations. The most challenging part of the hike is getting to the trailhead, as you'll have to drive over the rough terrain of ancient lava fields. Plan for a journey of a few hours to reach the start of the hike.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

The Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is one of many excellent trails found within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The out-and-back trail takes hikers through a beautiful canyon to reach some natural hot springs. The route features several obstacles and some significant elevation gain, so it should only be attempted by experienced hikers. To enjoy the most pleasant conditions possible, you should visit the trail between October and May.

Length: 6 miles

Intensity: Hard

Fishing & Boating

Some of the best fishing near the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area can be found at Lake Mead, which is located roughly 35 miles southwest of the BLM site. The lake is most known for its population of striped bass, with some as large as 35 to 40 pounds. The huge reservoir is also inhabited by largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and crappie. If you purchase a pass for your vessel, you can enjoy some boating at Lake Mead as well. The lake is a popular destination for motorized boating, paddling, and all sorts of watersports.

Climbing

Although adventurous climbers may be able to find climbing opportunities throughout the wilderness area and nearby national monument, there aren't many established climbing areas nearby. One of the nearest areas with designated climbing spots is Valley of Fire State Park, located roughly 35 miles west of the BLM site. The park features a decent amount of rock formations that are relatively easy to climb and offer spectacular views of the surrounding desert. Keep in mind that some areas of the park are off-limits for climbing and that roped climbing is not allowed anywhere in the park.

Wildlife Viewing

The Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area is home to quite a few interesting species of wildlife. During your visit to the site and surrounding area, you may spot mule deer, wild turkeys, bighorn sheep, antelope ground squirrels, banded Gila monsters, chuckwallas, and a variety of snakes and other lizards. If you're a bird-watching enthusiast, you should make sure to stay on the lookout for turkey vultures, pinyon jays, acorn woodpeckers, and the many other avian species known to inhabit the region.

Picnicking

If the idea of a solitary lunch surrounded by a beautiful desert landscape is appealing to you, then the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area will be an excellent setting for you to enjoy a picnic. Due to the absence of any established picnic areas or shelters, you will most likely need to create your own setup. If you plan on picnicking, be sure to bring a large blanket, towel, or portable chairs with you. Then, you can essentially choose any spot you like to sit down and eat.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you're hoping to do some overnight BLM RV camping, you'll need to remain outside the boundaries of the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area. This is because no motorized vehicles or equipment are permitted within any area federally designated as wilderness. For this reason, there also aren't any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site that accommodate RVs. One of the nearest areas featuring modern RV camping opportunities is the town of Littlefield, AZ to the north. There, you'll have the option to stay at places like the Desert Springs RV Resort or ScenicVistaRV.

Free Camping

Since no designated campgrounds are located within the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area, the only real camping option is to take part in Bureau of Land Management free camping. The vast majority of the site is made up of rugged, rocky land, so it may be a bit difficult to find a suitable place for your campsite. However, if you don't mind roughing it and being a bit out in the open, the wilderness area will make for an enjoyable camping location. To find camping spots in the area, doing an online search for "BLM camping near me" can be helpful.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area BLM trip

If you're getting ready to travel to the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area, make sure you're fully prepared to fend for yourself. The area is extremely remote, and you most likely won't encounter any other people during your visit. You will probably not have access to cellphone service, and GPS devices may not work properly either. Before you leave, you should tell your loved ones exactly where you're going and pack enough supplies to withstand an emergency.

While hiking or exploring the wilderness area, make sure you watch where you're walking at all times. The region is inhabited by a variety of snakes and lizards, including venomous rattlesnakes. If you were to be bitten so far from any significant towns, it would be a very dangerous situation, so being cautious and diligent is your best option. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Because of its remote location, the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area cannot always be thoroughly cleaned up or maintained by the BLM. That means that the agency must rely on visitors like you to do their part and be respectful of the land. During your stay, please do everything you can to leave no trace behind. Take all of your garbage with you when you leave and avoid moving or removing anything you find on the land. Additionally, be respectful of any humans or wildlife that you encounter during your trip. In general, treat the land with respect and try to minimize the impact of your travels and activities.

Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area Location

To reach the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area from Mesquite, NV, take Lime Kiln Canyon Road/White Rock Road southbound for 12.8 miles, crossing into Arizona in the process. Turn right to stay on Lime Kiln Canyon Road, and then stay on that road for 4.1 miles. Continue onto County Highway 101, follow it for 1.1 miles, and then turn right onto BLM 1027. After nine miles on BLM 1027, turn left to stay on it, and then after 1.1 more miles, take a slight right to stay on it once again. After only 0.2 more miles, take a left onto BLM 1007 and follow it for 5.6 miles. Take a slight right onto BLM 1003/Nutter Twists Road, continue for 3.2 miles, and then turn right to stay on BLM 1003/Nutter Twists Road. Then, after three more miles, take a sharp right onto Nutter Twists Road, and after 6.4 miles you will reach the wilderness area.

Ready to visit Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness Area? 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.