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Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway

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 Mountain Backcountry Byway

The Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway, also known as the Harquahala Mountain Summit Road, is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert near the town of Wickenburg. The area is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities. The trail offers a challenging and exciting trek for OHV riders. Visitors can also view the area's native plants and animals, and there is a nearby hiking trail for those who prefer to travel on foot. Visitors to the area can also stop at the Harquahala Peak Observatory, which was built by the Smithsonian in 1920 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

There are some nearby dispersed camping options at the Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway, but if you would like to find other campsites, you can search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Harquahala Mountain Trail

This challenging hike is a fantastic way to view the area's spectacular scenery, as the summit of the mountain offers incredible views.

Length: 13.5 miles

Intensity: Hard

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trail

Located in the Granite Mountain Memorial State Park, this beautiful trail is surrounded by wildflowers in the springtime.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Vulture Mine Trail

Hikers, horseback riders, and OHV enthusiasts can visit this secluded trail to spot a ruined homestead and other remnants of Arizona's mining history.

Length: 15.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Eagle Peak Arch Trail

This looping trail offers some steep sections but also provides incredible views. Visitors can also take in many of the area's native plants, including many cactus species.

Length: 3.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Ben Avery Trail

Located in the Eagletail Mountains Wilderness, this trail provides views of amazing rock formations and offers many photography opportunities.

Length: 9.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Alamo Lake State Park is often considered to be the best local fishing and boating location. Common catches include catfish, sunfish, bluegill, crappie, bass, and tilapia. There are several swimming areas, although there are no beaches, and two paved boat ramps make launching a boat simple.

Wildlife Viewing

The Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway is an ideal place to spot wildlife, but visitors can also head to the nearby Eagletail Mountains Wilderness or the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness for additional wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Bighorn sheep are common along the byway, and other native species include mountain lions, coyotes, rabbits, quails, bobcats, mule deer, hawks, snakes, and lizards.

Picnicking

The Harquahala Byway Staging Area is a great nearby location to stop for a picnic. The area offers a ramada with interpretive information, and there are firepits and picnic tables available.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders can use many of the area's hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails, as long as the trail is designated for equestrian use. For example, the Harquahala Mountain Trail and the Vulture Mine Trail are fantastic trails for horseback riding.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and standard RV camping are available throughout the area around the Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway. The Salome KOA Journey offers electric hookups, a dog park, a pool, and a laundry facility. Morenga Palms RV Park is another fantastic choice. The park is known for its friendly owners and staff. Restrooms and a laundry facility are available. Indian Hills RV Resort can accommodate RVs of any size in one of its 72 spaces, all of which have full hookups. There is also a laundromat, a dump station, grills, a coffee and snack bar, and a clubhouse.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Harquahala Byway Staging Area. The staging area has two primitive campsites, and a restroom is available. Free camping is also available at the Saddle Mountain BLM. Amenities are limited, but the area is private and quiet. Visitors can also set up a dispersed camping site in the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area.

RV Rentals Near Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway BLM trip

The Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway crosses or passes close by several river washes. At most times of the year, these washes are completely dry and make for excellent hiking routes. However, the weather in the area can change quickly, and these washes can suddenly begin to flood. Running washes can be swift and deep, and a flood can happen without any warning. Always pay attention to the weather and stay alert. Stay out of the washes if it is raining anywhere nearby, even if it's not raining at your location.

The area is also home to many reptiles, including venomous rattlesnakes. Keep an ear tuned for the sound of a rattle, and be very careful about where you step. If you do encounter a snake, stay away from it and do not attempt to startle or move it. Let it pass without disturbing it for the safety of both you and the animal.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, sites, and any other wild area should be protected to the best of your abilities, and Leave No Trace policies can be guidelines for how to do this. Be cautious about fire, especially in the desert. Only build fires in controlled, designated areas like fire pits, rings, or pans. Watch for stray sparks, and always make sure the coals are cold before you leave. Treat other visitors to the area with respect, and share the trail. Do not attempt to touch or disturb wild animals, and take care of the land and plants around you.