The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Lower Sonoran Field Office maintains 1.4 million acres of land, including the prominent Sonoran Desert National Monument. This area is well-known for its diverse wildlife and flora communities. It also includes archeological and historic sites like the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. This field office is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization dedicated to protecting and preserving natural environments in the country. Visitors can hike, climb, ride horses, and take ATVs out on the many trails. The local Lake Pleasant allows leisure fishing and even holds yearly tournaments. Visit today to walk through thick saguaro cactus forests or explore the area's rich cultural past.
Saguaro National Park is about 130 miles south of the Lower Sonoran Field Office. You can also check out the Petrified Forest National Park, which is 244 miles away. The field office is inside the prominent city of Phoenix, giving you easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Take your time enjoying the desert views while walking this trail. With minimal shade and mostly flat land, you'll have an amazing time exploring the natural landscape. Always follow the trail markers or download a reference map before you start.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Explore Tonto National Forest by taking a hike on this meandering trail. You likely won't encounter many other visitors while exploring this area. Bring water-resistant shoes and bug spray to minimize bites.
Length: 3.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Give yourself a good workout by climbing the steep Daisy Mountain. The hike begins with amazing views of local wildflowers and the surrounding land. You then have to work your way up through loose rock and soil to get to the top. If you're looking for a harder challenge, start your hike on the south side of the mountain.
Length: 6.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Lake Pleasant is full of white crappie, largemouth bass, various catfish, tilapia, and bluegill. You can also stop by Encanto Lake or Tempe Town Lake for fly fishing. Ensure that you have the proper licenses when you plan to fish and check with the local game and fish commission to confirm a body of water is open for recreational fishing.
Sheep Mountain, Horse Mesa, Goat Mountain, and Bronco Butte are all popular climbing spots in the area. These challenging climbs will test your skills and keep you on your toes. Always be aware of the forecast before starting a climb and take plenty of breaks to offset the heat.
While exploring local sites and trails, you'll likely find voles, prairie dogs, skunks, badgers and deer mice. White-tail deer, bison, elk, and bighorn sheep are also common. Native Arizona predators include wolves, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes.
The Lower Sonoran Field Office is conveniently located within Phoenix city limits, giving you easy access to recreational picnicking areas. There are plenty of local green spaces with picnic tables and shade structures. Once you're out in the wilderness, you'll likely have to picnic on the side of the road or near a trail.
Don't miss out on key exploration opportunities when you're in the area. Most of the wilderness around the Lower Sonoran Field Office can be accessed by motorized vehicles. Some key areas around the Sonoran Desert National Monument may be closed off to ATVs but can still be accessed on foot.
When looking for camping, don't forget to search "BLM camping near me" to check out the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area. BLM camping sites offer minimal necessities but give you direct access to local adventures and wildlife. You can also stay at more modern RV camping spots like the Wild West Ranch and RV Resort. This campground is near the Sonoran Desert National Monument and offers full hookups, tours, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. Tortilla Campground and Riverside Campground are two more options near the Tonto National Forest.
Take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping. Consider parking your RV at the Old AirStrip near Phoenix. There's plenty of room to space out and enjoy the nearby trails and sights. You can also camp along Lake Pleasant or in Lost Dutchman State Park. While you're out in the wilderness, you can also set up a tent and call it a night under the stars.
When planning your trip to the area, be aware of the sweltering high temperatures during the summer. Plan to take a lot of water with you when you hike or climb. You'll also need sunscreen and bug repellant, especially when exploring around lakes and rivers. Bring extra clothes in case of emergencies and be aware of any fire warnings in the area. Arizona is an amazing state full of exciting wildlife and history. Spend your trip learning more about the area and getting amazing views of the many mountains, ridges and valleys. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
As a visitor on BLM lands, it's your responsibility to take all of your trash with you when you leave. Fully inspect your campsite and rest areas for spilled food or debris. Use toilet facilities when you can. If necessary, bury your waste in an eight-inch hole at least 200 feet away from any source of water. Respect local wildlife and leave any interesting rocks, plants, or objects where you found them.
While traveling into Phoenix, take Interstate 17 until you get to Exit 215. Keep east on Deer Valley Road and then turn south on North 7th Avenue. The office is on the east side of the road.
Address: 21605 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027-2929
Ready to visit the Lower Sonoran Field Office? 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.
