The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Margie's Cove East Trailhead is part of a system of trails located near the Margie's Cove West Campground in the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The trail area is south of Phoenix and near the town of Gila Bend and the scenic Gila River. While hiking, horseback riding, or camping, visitors can spot native wildlife and a diverse range of plant species that includes saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and ocotillo cacti, ironwood and palo verde trees, and other small desert plants, many of which bloom with gorgeous flowers during the spring months. The trail is also located near the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness and is about two hours from Saguaro National Park. To find BLM sites that offer different RV camping amenities and options, search for "BLM camping near me."
This gorgeous trail meanders through rugged desert landscapes and offers visitors amazing views of native plants and animals.
Length: 9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This scenic trail offers beautiful views and is a popular place for birdwatching.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This beautiful trail passes through several dry washes before connecting to the Toothaker Trail.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in Estrella Mountain Regional Park, this trail is popular for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
This loop offers spectacular views and is well-marked, making it easy to follow.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Gila River, located just west of the Margie's Cove East Trailhead, offers excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can usually catch trout, sunfish, and catfish, and largemouth bass are plentiful during particular times of the year. The river is also a great place to swim or float.
Climbing enthusiasts can head to the South Mountain region, which offers more than 450 routes. The routes are varying degrees of difficulty and include top-rope, sport, traditional, and aid climbs. There are also many bouldering opportunities, including many excellent bouldering routes at the Mormon Boulders.
Margie's Cove Trail is a fantastic place to spot wildlife such as desert tortoise, lizards, snakes, coyotes, mule deer, javelina, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bobcat or mountain lion. Visitors can also head to the nearby Sierra Estrella Wilderness, North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, or the South Mountain Preserve for more wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
The Table Top Trailhead, located in the Sonoran Desert National Monument, is the perfect place for a picnic. There are several tables, barbeque grills, and fire rings available, and the views of the landscape are impressive.
Horseback riding enthusiasts can use almost any of the trails throughout the area around the Margie's Cove East Trailhead, including the Margie's Cove Trail. The Toothaker Loop Trail and Horseshoe Trail are also favored locations for equestrians.
BLM RV camping is available at the Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground. There are 59 sites, and the campground offers a quiet, beautiful camping experience. Amenities are limited, however, and there are no hookups. Vault toilets are available. The Sonoran Desert RV Park is another great choice, and it offers restrooms, showers, and a laundry area. Pets are welcome, and there is a large dog park area.
Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at the Margie's Cove West Campground. This quiet, secluded campground offers easy access to the nearby trail systems, and campers can enjoy gorgeous views. There are only three campsites, and reservations are not accepted, so arrive early. Vault toilets are available, and each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring.
The Margie's Cove Trail is not marked, and there is little to no signage. For this reason, the trail is best used only by experienced hikers who are skilled at navigating. If you head out on the trail, make sure you are carrying a GPS or map and compass.
The trail is partially made up of former vehicle tracks and dry washes. These washes offer wide-open areas for walking, but they can flood quickly during inclement weather. Flooded washes flow at dangerous speeds and can pose serious safety risks. Always check the weather before you start your hike, and if you see signs of rain, even off in the distance, avoid any washes entirely. It's also important that you limit your exposure to the sun, particularly during hot summer days. Wear sunscreen or keep your skin covered with lightweight clothing. When hiking, protect your eyes and face with a hat and sunglasses.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace policies, such as always cleaning up your waste and disposing of it properly, help to keep Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and trails clean and beautiful. One of the most important Leave No Trace policies to practice in the desert is fire safety. Before starting a fire, check that the danger rating is low and that there are no bans in place. Make sure your campfires remain contained and that they are completely cold before you leave the area.
From Phoenix, take Arizona Highway 85 to milepost 134. Turn east onto Woods Road. Follow the signs for Margie's Cove Trail, following along the Highway 85 fence line. The road will turn east. Continue for another 3.8 miles before turning right onto Route 8001E. Make another right turn and continue south for 1.2 miles. You'll reach Margie's Cove West Campground, beyond which is the Margie's Cove West Trailhead. This trailhead provides the only access to the Margie's Cove East Trailhead.
Ready to visit Margie's Cove East 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 of 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.
