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Harquahala Byway Staging 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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Harquahala Byway Staging Area

The Harquahala Byway Staging Area is located west of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. The closest town is Wickenburg. The area is known for its spectacular views of the landscape, particularly those of the nearby Eagletail Mountains. From the staging area, visitors can access the Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway and the Harquahala Mountain Wilderness. The area is home to many animal and cacti species, and the many amazing local plants in the area include saguaros, chollas, ocotillos, ironwood trees, hedgehog cacti, and palo verde trees.

The Harquahala Byway Staging Area features a loading ramp and a shady ramada for organizing your adventure or taking a break out of the sun. The ramada also features interpretive information. Camping is limited at the Harquahala Byway Staging Area. To find BLM sites with other camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Vulture Peak Trail

Located in Wickenburg, this trail offers spectacular views of the desert landscape and lets visitors see many native plant species.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Sophie’s Flat Trail

This trail traverses several dry river washes and offers excellent views of the landscape, including canyons and distant mountains.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Hassayampa River Trail

Located in the nearby Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, this trail follows a small creek.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Buckhorn Creek Trail

Visitors can choose to explore any part of this lengthy trail, which is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, or off-roading.

Length: 17.4

Intensity: Moderate

Box Canyon Trail

Another excellent OHV trail, this trail is generally quiet and peaceful, and it is also a good option for horseback riding.

Length: 14.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The best location for fishing in the area around the Harquahala Byway Staging Area is at Alamo Lake State Park. The lake is a haven for anglers looking to catch sunfish, catfish, crappie, bass, tilapia, and bluegill. There are also two paved boat ramps and several swimming areas.

Wildlife Viewing

The Harquahala Byway Staging Area and Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway are both great places to spot native species such as coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, bighorn sheep, ground squirrels, rabbits, eagles, hawks, quails, wrens, and a range of reptiles. The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness also offers many fantastic wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Picnicking

Many visitors opt to picnic right at the Harquahala Byway Staging Area, as it offers spectacular views. There are picnic tables and firepans available.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is popular throughout the region. Many hiking and OHV trails, such as the Box Canyon Trail, are an excellent option for equestrians. Check each trail before you head out to make sure it is horse-friendly.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at Alamo Lake State Park. The park offers water and electric hookups, and picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms are available. Aztec Village Park is another good option. The park offers electric hookups, and it is pet friendly, and restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are available. Loose Horse RV Park offers RV spaces and stables for horse boarding. Showers, laundry facilities, fire pits, BBQ areas, and a fenced pet area are also available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available right at the Harquahala Byway Staging Area. There are two campsites available, and there are also vault restrooms in the area. The rest of the amenities, however, are quite limited, and there is nowhere to get water, so make sure you pack properly.

RV Rentals Near Harquahala Byway Staging Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Harquahala Byway Staging Area BLM trip

The landscape around the Harquahala Byway Staging Area is dramatic and breathtaking, but it can also be dangerous for people unfamiliar with the desert. Many cacti are incredibly sharp, and the spines are barbed and can exude a mild poison, so don’t touch any cacti or plants unless necessary. If you see a snake, toad, large insect, or arachnid, do not attempt to touch or move it. Instead, leave the animal where it is and let it pass by undisturbed. Many insects and snakes in the area are venomous or poisonous, and many local toads also secrete toxins.

The Sonoran Desert can become very hot during the summer, with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures, combined with the arid desert climate, make dehydration a risk. No matter what time of year you’re enjoying the area, carry plenty of water and prepare to shield yourself from the sun by covering any bare skin with sunscreen or lightweight clothing. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds don’t usually allow for reservations but are instead used on a first-come, first-served basis. For this reason, it’s important to plan ahead and utilize a backup plan if the area you’re hoping to camp in is full. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace practices include cleaning up after yourself and throwing away all of your trash, sharing trails, and respecting the land around you, and these practices can help to maintain and protect BLM sites for many years. It’s also important to observe animals from a distance so as not to disturb them. Fire is a major threat in the Arizona desert, so it’s crucial that you build fires responsibly. Only start fires in designated areas where they can be controlled. Ensure that fires are completely out and cold before moving on. Only make a fire when the fire danger rating is low. Dispose of all cigarettes properly.

Harquahala Byway Staging Area Location

From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 west to Exit 81. Turn right and follow Salome Road for 9.6 miles before turning right on Eagle Eye Road. Continue for 8.5 miles. At the directional sign, turn left. The staging area will be about 0.2 miles ahead on the right. You can also access the area from the north by taking US 60 west from Wickenburg to Aguila. In Aguila, turn left onto Eagle Eye Road and drive south for 18.5 miles. Take the right at the directional sign, and the staging area will be on the right.

Ready to visit Harquahala Byway Staging 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.

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Harquahala Byway Staging Area

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Vulture Peak Trail

Sophie’s Flat Trail

Hassayampa River Trail

Buckhorn Creek Trail

Box Canyon Trail

Fishing and Boating

Wildlife Viewing

Picnicking

Horseback Riding

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Free Camping

RV Rentals Near Harquahala Byway Staging Area Plan your next adventure

Planning your Harquahala Byway Staging Area BLM trip

Leave No Trace

Harquahala Byway Staging Area Location

Nearby BLM Locations

See All BLM Campsites by State

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