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Hassayampa River Canyon 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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Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness

The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness spans 11,840 acres and covers a large portion of the Hassayampa River, the canyon, and several smaller side canyons. The landscape is largely desert, as the area is part of the Sonoran Desert, but there are several lush stretches dense with palo verde trees near the water. The wilderness area is right outside of the town of Wickenburg and only about 40 miles north of Phoenix.

The wilderness area is perfect for many recreational activities, including landscape and wildlife photography, hiking and backpacking, and rock climbing. Camping is also very popular in the area. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, search using “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Hassayampa River Trail

This trail in the wilderness area loops around and offers beautiful views of the landscape no matter the season.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds Mine Trail

This trail offers beautiful views of both the landscape and the town of Wickenburg, and it’s generally very quiet and secluded.

Length: 7.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Belmont Mountain Trail

This picturesque trail leads to an old mine shaft.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Buckhorn Creek Trail

Hikers and mountain bikers can join this trail at several points. It’s usually quiet, and most visitors have the area to themselves.

Length: 17.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Sophie’s Flat Trail

This trail is an excellent way to take in the scenery, including desert plants, rock formations, and beautiful canyons.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Lake Pleasant is an excellent nearby location for boating or fishing, and bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, tilapia, and bluegill can all be caught in the area. To catch a similar assortment of fish, visitors can also head to Alamo Lake. Alamo Lake also offers boat launches and several areas for swimming.

Wildlife Viewing

The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness is the perfect location to see native species such as lizards, snakes, bobcats, burro, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, javelina, rabbits, and an assortment of native and migratory birds that visit the river throughout the year. Other nearby locations ideal for wildlife viewing include Alamo Lake State Park and Lake Pleasant.

Picnicking

The Bobcat Day Use Area offers several shady picnic areas, including some that are large enough for groups, and the location provides gorgeous views. The nearby Harquahala Byway Staging Area is also a good picnic stop. There are several picnic tables, a ramada, and firepans, and the area is quiet and peaceful.

Horseback Riding

Most trails in the area, such as the Buckhorn Creek Trail, are suitable for horseback riding. Visitors can also join a guided trail ride.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at Constellation Park, which offers limited amenities but gorgeous views and many nearby hiking options. North Ranch – Escapees RV Park is another excellent choice. This park offers a wide range of amenities, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Full hookups and a dump station are available. Horspitality RV Resort offers RV camping and short-term horse boarding, although you don’t need to bring horses to stay at this beautiful park. Pets are welcome, and there is a dog park on-site. Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly rates are available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness itself. Backpackers frequently set up dispersed sites along trails. Another excellent option is at Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping, where RV campers can set up a primitive site. The Vulture Mountains Recreation Area also offers free dispersed camping with gorgeous views.

RV Rentals Near Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness BLM trip

The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness is usually best visited in the late fall, winter, or early spring months before temperatures begin to climb. The area is dry, so days of sunshine are almost guaranteed. This can mean that you’ll be exposed to the sun, though, so wear sunscreen and take any other necessary precautions. Remember that nights can become very cold, even during the summer months, and temperatures can even drop below freezing. If you’re planning to stay in the area, carry cold-weather gear and consider dressing in layers.

Most motorized vehicles, including OHVs, motorboats, hang gliders, and even bicycles, cannot be used on federal wilderness lands, although there are several excellent OHV and mountain biking trails nearby. If you aren’t sure whether something is allowed, you can do further research or contact the field office to double-check.

The wilderness area is large, but it can sometimes be difficult to tell where the wilderness area ends and private land begins. Keep a GPS or map on you and respect the boundaries of private lands. 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 and backpacking locations are available in the wilderness, but be sure to respect the land and leave as little evidence of your stay as possible. Clean up any trash and do not create new fire rings. If you start a fire, make sure it’s controlled and that the fire danger rating in the area is low. Be polite to fellow travelers by sharing the trail, helping when needed, and keeping noise to a minimum. Do not damage the plants in the area, and try not to disturb the animals. Don’t take plants, animals, or rocks home with you.