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BLM Camping

Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area

The Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area, sometimes also called the Indian Bread Rocks Recreation Area, is a popular destination for picnickers, backpackers, and campers. The picnic area is located on the edge of the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness, which is maintained by the BLM, a government agency that oversees federally owned public land. The wilderness is home to the gorgeous Dos Cabezas Mountains and a range of canyons, fascinating rock formations, and desert meadows. Visitors can also explore the nearby Fort Bowie National Historic Site, the Chiricahua Wilderness, and Chiricahua National Monument.

To find BLM sites like the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area that offer camping options and amenities in your area, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Fort Bowie Trail

This scenic trail, which is dog-friendly, leads past the remains of Fort Bowie, and hikers can stop in at the nearby visitor center.

Length: 4.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Chiricahua Natural Bridge Trail

This hike in the Chiricahua National Monument offers beautiful views of the desert landscape and is perfect for spotting wildlife.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Echo Canyon Loop

Visitors can see incredible rock formations all along this popular trail.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Silver Spur Meadow Trail

This beautiful trail is perfect for a leisurely hike or for walking your dog.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Johnson Peak Loop

This trail, which can be steep and rocky, is an excellent option for hiking or horseback riding, and it provides stunning panoramic views.

Length: 9.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

Roper Lake, which is only about 40 minutes from the picnic area, is one of the most popular local locations for fishing. Fishing enthusiasts can often catch channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and largemouth bass. Catch and release is encouraged during bass spawning season, but anglers can otherwise keep their catches. The lake is also a great place for boating.

Climbing

Bouldering enthusiasts will enjoy the many boulders located right at the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area. Bouldering opportunities are also available throughout the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness and the Chiricahua National Monument.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can spot a wide range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, squirrels, rabbits, bats, mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, snakes, lizards, and many hawks, eagles, and songbirds, right from the picnic area. Wildlife is also abundant in the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness and along many trails in the Chiricahua National Monument.

Picnicking

The best local area for a picnic is the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area, which offers vault toilets and picnic tables. There are also picnic tables at the visitor center at the Fort Bowie National Historic Site.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is popular throughout the area around the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area, and it’s an excellent option for traversing the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness. Some trails, such as the nearby Johnson Peak Loop, are specifically designed for equestrians.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and standard RV camping are both options in the area near the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area. Mountain View RV Park offers large sites with full hookups for a small fee. There is a store and laundry facility on site. The Alaskan RV Park is also inexpensive and offers pull-through sites in a quiet, charming location with beautiful views. The park is pet-friendly, and a dump station, showers, and a laundry area are all available on site.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available right at the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area. Visitors can set up a dispersed site and are free to use the nearby picnic tables and restrooms. Spaces are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to make sure that there is enough room.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area BLM trip

In general, motorized vehicles, including OHVs and even bicycles, are not allowed on federally designated wilderness land such as the area surrounding the Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area. If you plan on mountain biking or OHV riding, you may want to check ahead to make sure there are trails designed for these uses.

The climate at the picnic area and throughout the surrounding areas is quite warm in the summer, with temperatures reaching into the high 90s. Winter, spring, and fall days, however, are mild, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making this the ideal time to enjoy a picnic or explore the local wilderness. Nights can be very chilly, so dress in warm layers or pack extra blankets if you plan to stay in the area. The wilderness and picnic area are relatively remote, so create a comprehensive packing list and bring any essentials or emergency supplies you might need. 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 benefit from Leave No Trace policies, which help to guide visitors as they explore a new area. For example, it’s always important, particularly when picnicking, to either gather your trash and take it with you or dispose of it in a trash can. Stay in the designated picnic area or on designated trails. This helps to limit how much you disturb the local plants and the surrounding landscape. Use extreme caution when starting a fire, and make sure fires are allowed before you build one.