The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Hereford Trailhead is a good starting spot for exploring the wildlife and history of Southern Arizona. The Bureau of Land Management is a national wildlife conservation agency. The BLM manages over 12 million acres of wilderness area in Arizona for public use. The San Pedro Conservation area is a prime example of a wilderness area that is set aside for the public to experience nature. The Hereford trailhead area includes a picnic canopy, table, and toilet. While there is no camping at the trailhead site, the trail does pass the Miller Backcountry camp. The camp is fairly primitive but has tent pads, fire rings, and a toilet facility. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. However, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are welcome.
The Hereford Trail Head is approximately 16 miles southeast of Sierra Vista on Highway 92. Wildlife and solitude are ample, with no population centers directly adjacent to the wilderness area.
Two trails exit from the Hereford Trail Head. Both trails follow the San Pedro River. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are welcome on both trails.
The trail passes under the old Hereford Road Bridge and follows a historic road along the San Pedro River. Once cultivated fields, now gone fallow, line the riverside. Approximately six miles of hiking will bring you to the Miller Backcountry Camp. Overnight camping is allowed. The trail ends three miles further north at the San Pedro House.
Length: 9.5 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
The South Trail also follows the San Pedro River valley. Historic fields, now overgrown by native plants, line the trail. About a mile south of the trailhead, a spring feeds an aquatic habitat that the BLM maintains. The trail comes to an end at Waters Road.
Length: 3.5 miles.
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
The San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area is home to over one hundred species of birds. As a perennial water source, San Pedro is a prime bird-watching location for domestic and migratory birds. The area is particularly known for its hummingbird viewing. The best bird viewing months are April through September.
The Hereford Trail Head does provide picnicking tables, a canopy, and a toilet. There is no water at the site. Picnicking is also available at the San Pedro House location. Picnic tables, trash facilities, and toilets are available for public use.
The Historic Landmark commemorates the discovery of Mammoth remains. In 1952 the bones of mammoths, tapirs, and bison over 11,000 years old were discovered at the site. Discovered with the bones were weapons and tools used by the Native Americans who killed and butchered the animals. The site is one of the best-preserved mammoth kill sites in North America.
There are several RV campgrounds in the Sierra Vista area. The most convenient to Hereford Trailhead is the Sierra Vista Mobile Home Village and RV Park. The park is located approximately 16 miles northeast of Hereford on Hwy 90. The facility offers full hookups and short and long-term stays. Restaurants, shopping, and other points of interest are nearby.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is allowed throughout most of the San Pedro Conservation area. Tent camping is free, but a permit is required. Since San Pedro is a wilderness area, all camp areas are dispersed and primitive. They have no water, cooking facilities, toilets, or fire pits.
As you travel the country, you can do Internet searches for BLM camping near me to find free RV camping sites. The nearest free RV Camping to Hereford Trail is at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area. This Arizona Game and Fish facility is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Hereford on Highway 191 north of Douglas. A gravel parking area is free for overnight stays. There are no hookups or facilities. However, the location does receive rave reviews from visitors.
Whenever visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, remember that camp spots may be limited. When planning trips to BLM recreation locations, be sure that there is room for your rig. Many BLM camps are only suited for small RVs or off-road vehicles. When visiting trailheads or other recreation areas, it is often best to camp elsewhere and use an appropriate vehicle to visit the site.
Remember that the first syllable in wilderness is WILD. Always be careful when visiting BLM wilderness areas. It is great to see animals in their natural habitat. Do not interact with them. It is dangerous and could end unpleasantly. Here are a few things to remember when visiting Arizona Wilderness areas:
Due to the danger of wildfires, cooking fires are often restricted.
Be sure to have alternate cooking tools to prepare meals.
Most of these sites do not have potable water. Be sure you have plenty of water on hand.
Many sites do not have trash facilities. Always pack out everything you packed in.
Southern Arizona is subject to flash floods in July through September.
Before you head out, check our blog for up-to-date information about BLM Camping.
The Arizona Bureau of Land Management emphasizes Outdoor Ethics. Thousands of people visit The Hereford Trailhead each year. We all need to work together to keep it clean and pristine. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Keep vehicles in designated parking areas. Camp in official campgrounds or where directed by rangers or BLM staff. Do not remove any part of nature, but always remove trash. Try to leave the area better than you found it.
To get to The Hereford Trail Head, head south from Sierra Vista on Hwy 92 for 8 miles. Turn east on Hereford Road and travel 8 miles to the trailhead. Hereford Trailhead is on the south side of the road.
Address: San Pedro Project Office. 4070 S. Avenida Saracino. Hereford, AZ, 85615
Ready to visit Hereford BLM Trailhead? 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.
