The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Situated about 55 miles outside of Phoenix, AZ, the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness is a 31,200-acre stretch of breathtaking desert land. The wilderness area, which is part of the Tonopah Desert, is home to the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain, which towers over the region at 3,418 feet. The site is one of many natural areas in Arizona under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and adventurous travelers can find it by doing a Google search for "BLM camping near me." Although the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness doesn't contain any designated Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, the site does offer visitors the chance to enjoy multiple recreational activities. Those who make the trip can soak in the stunning scenery, observe the unique flora and fauna, hike the local nature trails, and camp primitively.
The Hummingbird Springs Wilderness Trails are several scenic out-and-back routes found around the expansive BLM site. The trails vary in difficulty, but most of them are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. In addition to hiking, the routes are excellent for off-road vehicle driving. The trails are typically pretty quiet, and there's a decent chance that you'll have them all to yourself during your visit.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Crystal Hill trail is located at the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and features a steep rocky climb. The short out-and-back route isn't particularly well-marked or maintained, so it's a bit of an adventurous challenge for those who like to explore. About halfway up the climb, you'll start to find cool crystals that have fallen down the hill, and you're allowed to collect up to 10 pieces or 10 pounds. There's no shade around the hike, so anyone traversing it should bring lots of water and if necessary, sun protection.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located within the Kofa Wilderness, the Signal Peak Trail is a difficult out-and-back trail that requires quite a bit of steep climbing. Along the way, you'll see lots of amazing terrain formations, and as you continue to climb, the panoramic views will only become more and more spectacular. The best times to embark on this hike are between March and October, and if you bring your pups, they must remain leashed at all times.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Hard
The nearest significant body of water to the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness is the powerful Gila River, which flows between the BLM site and the city of Phoenix. The mighty stream is a popular destination for anglers as it's home to substantial populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfishes, and the protected Gila trout. The river features relatively gentle rapids, making it a wonderful place to take your kayak, canoe, or small raft out on the water.
If you're a skilled, adventurous climber, your best option in the area will be to travel to the nearby Big Horn Mountains. If you're bold enough, you can take on Sugarloaf Mountain itself, which features a number of climbing routes ranging in difficulty from 5.4 to 5.10c. You can also attempt to climb the other mountains in the range, including the majestic Big Horn Peak.
While camping in or exploring the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness, you'll have opportunities to observe a variety of interesting creatures among the unique vegetation. You'll definitely want to regularly look up; Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, and golden eagles are all known to soar overhead in the region. In terms of land-dwelling species, a few that you may be lucky enough to spot include desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, desert tortoises, kit foxes, and Gila monsters.
If you plan on having a relaxing picnic at the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness BLM site, you'll need to come prepared with your own seating. Due to the nature of the desert land, the best bet may be to bring portable chairs and some kind of a fold-out table or another surface. If you're willing to do a bit of climbing or hiking with your picnic gear to reach a higher elevation, you can eat while looking out over the picturesque landscape.
Any visitors who want to partake in RV camping have to do so outside the boundaries of the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness BLM site. Because the site is federally designated as wilderness, no motorized vehicles are permitted on the land, and that includes RVs. If you'd like to stay in a modern campground or RV park, your best bet will be to travel toward one of the nearby highways, where there are several established camping areas. For example, if you head west toward US Route 60, you can do your RV camping at the Morena Palms RV Park or the Indian Hills RV Resort. Both campgrounds offer various amenities and RV hookups.
You have the option to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping, but to do so inside the wilderness area, you'll need to leave your vehicle outside and proceed on foot with your camping gear. Otherwise, your simplest option may be to choose a pleasant spot just outside the wilderness boundaries and set up your dispersed campsite there.
If you're planning a BLM RV camping trip to the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness, remember that in addition to vehicles, other items like bicycles, wagons, and carts are also prohibited in the wilderness area. While exploring the land, you should keep in mind that there may be certain sections of land that are privately owned. You'll want to be careful to avoid accidentally wandering onto private property, and watching for any posted signs will help greatly.
You should also be prepared for extreme heat if you're visiting the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness during summer. Check the weather forecast for your visit and remember to pack sun protection and extra drinking water. The site is extremely remote, so you would also be wise to bring first-aid and emergency supplies. Finally, rattlesnakes have occasionally been spotted in the area, so it's always smart to watch your step while hiking or climbing. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
During your visit to the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness, you can help preserve the land by doing your part to keep it clean and healthy. There aren't any receptacles for disposing of garbage at the site, so it's imperative that you take your trash with you when you leave.
To reach the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness BLM site from Phoenix, take Interstate 10 westbound until you reach either the Tonopah or Salome Road exits. From either exit, dirt roads extend to the boundaries of the wilderness area. It's not mandatory, but traveling to the site in a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Ready to visit Hummingbird Springs Wilderness? 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.
