The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau Of Land Management (BLM) was established in 1946 to maintain land for public use and development while preserving environmentally sensitive areas. Public recreation and camping areas are significant components of The BLM's holdings.
The Monolith Garden Trail is a prime example of land preserved by the BLM for public recreation. Located within the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, the Monolith Garden Trail is a piece of desert wilderness outside a population center. Located just a few miles west of Kingman, Arizona, the recreation area provides miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Home to the Route 66 and Kingman Railroad Museums, Kingman has a variety of exciting places to visit.
The Monolith Garden Trail meanders through a wide variety of desert vegetation and volcanic rock formations. The trail is a series of loops that allows hikers to customize their hiking experience to their liking. Hiking and Mountain Biking are welcome on the trail.
Length: 8.3 miles.
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
The Badger Trail is also located in the Cerbat Recreation Area. The Badger Trail climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail provides spectacular views of surrounding valleys and mountains. Interesting geographical features include giant granite boulder formations and large white quartz outcroppings. Hiking and biking the trail are allowed.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Castle Rock Trail is the most challenging trail in the complex. Castle Rock provides spectacular cliff views, interesting rock formations, and vista views of surrounding valleys. Hiking and biking may be difficult in the rocky sections, but the view is worth the extra effort.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Monolith Trail and surrounding areas are home to a vast array of desert wildlife. Mule deer, javelina, desert tortoises, foxes, and coyotes make the area home. Birds frequently seen are Gambel's quail, mourning dove, and several varieties of raptor. Lizards and snakes are also frequent in the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes!
The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area does not provide any formal picnicking areas. While enjoying a meal on BLM land is always welcome, there are no facilities in the area. Toilets are available at the Coyote Pass parking area.
Zuni Village RV Park is an RV camping site that is about two miles southeast of the Monolith Gardens Trail. The full-service park has spaces adequate for larger rigs. Positioned on the outskirts of Kingman, Zuni Village puts you near the action. Restaurants and other points of interest are nearby.
The Bureau of Land Management free camping at Packsaddle Recreation Area is available 18 miles north of Kingman on Hwy 93 at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Temperatures at this elevation can be over 20 degrees cooler than those in the surrounding desert. The site provides dispersed campsites, vault toilets, and picnic facilities. The road from the highway is rough. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
The Oatman-Toprock boondocking site is 57 miles south of Kingman on Oatman Road. The site is on the east side of the road at mile Popst 8. The site is a large, leveled gravel surface. There are no facilities, and it's free. For more information on boondocking sites, do an Internet search for "BLM camping near me" when you reach your destination.
The climate that creates the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert surrounding Monolith Gardens Trail is challenging for visitors. From May through September, the temperature can exceed 100 degrees for several days in a row. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and straw hats when hiking in the desert. Always carry and drink plenty of water when on hikes. Heat stroke is a common occurrence in the desert.
In July through September, afternoon monsoon storms can spring up suddenly. Flooding in low areas is common. Keep an eye on the sky, and head for shelter if ominous clouds are in the area.
Many Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds require high clearance or 4WD vehicles for access. Check with the local BLM District Office before heading into unknown territory. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for information about BLM camping.
The dry atmosphere preserves trash and damage. Make sure to carry out anything you carry into BLM recreation sites and campgrounds. The Leave No Trace guidelines will provide you with all you need to know about your responsibility to protect nature. Please help contribute to protecting our natural treasures as you use them.
You can reach the Monolith Garden Trail from the Coyote Pass and Metwell Trailheads. To access the Metwell Trailhead from Kingman, take West Beale Stree (Hwy 93) north to Metwell Drive. Turn Left onto Metwell Drive. Watch for the Metwell Trailhead signs on the right.
To reach the Coyote Pass Trailhead from Kingman, take Hwy 93 north for 5.9 miles. Take the Agua Fria crossover to move to the southbound lanes of Hwy 93. Travel 4.1 miles south to the Coyote Pass parking area on the west side of the road.
The address of the Kingman Field Office is 2755 Mission Boulevard Kingman, AZ 86401.
Ready to visit Monolith Gardens Trail? 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.
