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Hell's 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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Hell's Canyon Wilderness

The Hell’s Canyon Wilderness spans just shy of 10,000 acres in the Hieroglyphic Mountains north of Phoenix, Arizona, and only slightly west of Lake Pleasant. The Sonoran Desert landscape is home to many native plant species, including some cacti, such as the saguaro cactus, that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. There are several tall peaks in the area, including Hellgate Mountain and Garfias Mountain, and the terrain makes it an enjoyable spot for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbing enthusiasts. Because it’s so large and has been left in its wild state, there are also many opportunities to view native animals, and the location is perfect for wildlife photography. Camping is available in the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness in several locations. To find BLM sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Wild Burro Trail

Located in Lake Pleasant Regional Park, only a few miles from the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness, this gentle trail offers gorgeous views of the landscape.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Beardsley Trail

Perfect for both hiking and mountain biking, this trail is also a favorite with bird-watching enthusiasts.

Length: 8.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Governors Peak Trail

This Hell’s Canyon Wilderness trail offers stunning views, and it’s usually relatively quiet and peaceful.

Length: 5.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Walkin’ Jim Trail

This picturesque trail crosses several creeks and offers spectacular views.

Length: 8.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Garfias Wash via Spring Valley Trail

This is one of the best trails in the area for spotting a range of native Sonoran Desert wildlife.

Length: 6.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Lake Pleasant is the ideal location for fishing or simply enjoying some time out on a boat. Anglers can often catch crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, tilapia, and several types of bass.

Climbing

There are many rock climbing options near the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness. Aside from climbs within the area itself, the Beardsley Boulders Area offers about 124 traditional, sport, top-rope, and bouldering routes at a variety of difficulties. Little Granite Mountain is also a fantastic option, and it has over 65 bouldering, traditional, sport, and top-rope route options.

Wildlife Viewing

The Hell’s Canyon Wilderness is the ideal place to spot wildlife in the area. Many visitors see wild burros as they hike, and other animals such as mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, jackrabbits, snakes, lizards, hawks, wrens, ravens, quail, and javelina are also common.

Picnicking

The Bobcat Day Use Area at Lake Pleasant is a very good option for a picnic. There are several shaded picnic areas available, including one large picnic table for group use. There are also restrooms and water fountains. The Wild Burro Day Use Area is also a great option.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is quite popular along many of the easy or moderate trails in the area. Always check each trail to make sure it is designated for equestrian use before heading out. If you’re new to horseback riding, many places in the area offer guided trail rides.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are many options for standard and BLM RV camping near the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers 254 sites with full hookups plus 60 sites with partial hookups. There are also laundry facilities, showers, picnic areas, and many recreational activity options. The Cave Creek Regional Park Campgrounds are another excellent option. This is a more rugged camping option, but the views are amazing, and there are clean bathrooms available. The Great BLM Staging Area and Camping is also a fantastic option, and it is right near the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Javelina Camp in Morristown, just outside of the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness. The area is perfect for dispersed RV camping as the ground is level. Dispersed camping is also available within the wilderness area itself.

RV Rentals Near Hell's Canyon Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Hell's Canyon Wilderness BLM trip

The Hell’s Canyon Wilderness is beautiful but also relatively remote. For this reason, it’s always best to exercise caution while exploring and keep first aid supplies with you. Dehydration and exposure can also be a risk in the desert. Summer days are very warm, and nights can be surprisingly cold. Always carry plenty of water and, if you’re enjoying the area on a warm day, drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dress in layers and protect yourself from the sun.

Rattlesnakes are a common sight in the Sonoran Desert. Listen for rattles and watch where you step or put your hands. Snakes can blend into the desert soil. Never attempt to touch or move a rattlesnake. Let it move away without threatening it in order to keep both you and the snake safe. It’s also best to avoid touching most of the area’s plants and cacti as they can be very sharp and can cause serious injuries.

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

Leave No Trace

Always respect the land, plants, and animals as you enjoy your adventure. It’s important to be courteous to other visitors. Keep loud noises to a minimum and share the trail and any camping area. Always pick up any trash and throw it away. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or picnic areas often offer fire pits and rings or barbecue areas and grills. It’s always very important, however, to use extreme caution when starting a fire in the desert. Check that the fire danger rating is low and that fires are allowed. Keep the fire controlled, and make sure it’s completely out and cold before you leave the area.