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Harquahala Mountains Wilderness

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 Mountains Wilderness

The Harquahala Mountains Wilderness spans thousands of acres in the Sonoran Desert. The landscape is unique to the area, as the mountains and canyons form a sheltered interior system that shields a wide array of plants, including many that are unusual or rare. The Harquahala Mountains are also home to many animal species. Visitors to the area can hike, horseback ride, camp, or simply take in the amazing sights. There is also an observatory on Harquahala Peak. The observatory is no longer in use but can be visited as a historic landmark and important site. You can often find BLM sites with camping options and a range of amenities by searching “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Eagle Peak Arch Trail

This trail offers some steep sections, perfect for any hikers looking for a strenuous climb with gorgeous views.

Length: 3.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Twin Peaks Trail

Located right in the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness, this trail offers incredible views, and it is rarely used, making it perfect for a quiet, peaceful hike.

Length: 2.4 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Harquahala Mountain Trail

One of the best ways to see wildlife in the area, this trail is great for hiking or horseback riding.

Length: 13.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Harquahala Mountain Summit Road OHV Trail

This trail, which is a BLM National Byway, is popular with OHV riders but is also an excellent option for hiking or horseback riding.

Length: 20.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lake Alamo Radio Towers Loop

Located in Alamo Lake State Park, which is only a short journey from the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness, this trail offers beautiful views and is a fantastic path for spotting wildlife.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Lake Pleasant is one of the best locations for fishing in the area, and tilapia, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, and bass are commonly caught, particularly around the lake’s many coves and beaches. The lake is also perfect for boating, swimming, or enjoying a day in the sun.

Wildlife Viewing

The Harquahala Mountains Wilderness is the best location in the area for viewing wildlife. Visitors can often see many snake and lizard species, a range of bird species, coyotes, rabbits, ground squirrels, bobcats, and mountain lions. Desert tortoises are frequently spotted in Brown’s Canyon, and the wilderness area is also home to the state’s largest herd of mule deer and one of the largest, and one of the only increasing, herds of bighorn sheep.

Picnicking

Boetto Park in Wickenburg, one of the towns closest to the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness, is a charming park that offers shaded picnic tables and beautiful scenery. Restrooms are available as well. Hassayampa River Preserve also features several picnic areas with tables.

Horseback Riding

One of the best locations for horseback riding in the area is the Harquahala Pack Trail, which lies within the wilderness area. The trail provides a unique view of the desert landscape. Several other trails in the area are also a good choice for horseback riding.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping or standard RV camping are both available throughout the area around the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness. The Desert Gem RV Park offers full hookups and beautifully landscaped spaces, but the park is for visitors 50 and over. Aztec Village RV Park is conveniently located in Wickenburg and offers electric hookups, a laundry area, bathrooms and showers, and gravel roads for easy driving. The park is pet-friendly, and the grounds are carefully maintained.

Free Camping

Visitors to the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Saddle Mountain BLM area. Dispersed camping is popular in the area, and the private location makes for a peaceful stay. The Vulture Mountains Recreation Area also allows free, primitive camping in a stunning location.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Harquahala Mountains Wilderness BLM trip

The Harquahala Mountains Wilderness covers many beautiful landscapes, including canyons and dry washes. During heavy rains, these areas can flood suddenly, creating very dangerous situations. Always check the weather forecast before you head out, and if it’s raining in the mountains, avoid any areas that could potentially flood.

Most federally designated wilderness areas don’t allow for the use of any motorized vehicles or even bicycles, but as many areas around the Harquahala Mountains Wilderness require the use of four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles, there are acceptations. Always double-check to make sure trails or areas are acceptable for motor vehicle use before you continue to drive.

Planning ahead is one of the most crucial steps of any RV adventure, and you can do that by researching the rules at different BLM sites and planning your stops before you start your trip. Some sites, such as the Saddle Mountain BLM camping area, allow for stays of two weeks, but others may only allow for stays of one week, so check ahead and plan accordingly. 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 make camping simple, but to enjoy this amenity for years to come, it’s important to help protect these wild areas. Throw away any trash and dispose of waste properly. Stay on trails as much as possible, and try to minimize your impact on the land. Don’t touch or pick any native plants. Use caution when building a fire, and never leave a fire unattended for any reason. It’s also best to use firewood collected from the area where you are staying. This can help to stop invasive insect species from spreading.