The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Mt. Trumbull is in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, which is in the northwest corner of Arizona by the Utah and Nevada borders. This area is extremely rugged, so you will need a high-clearance vehicle. The scenic drive, which starts in St. George, Utah, is beautiful, and you may see bighorn sheep. There is also a 5.1-mile hiking trail to the summit. Since the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that oversees many public lands throughout the U.S., controls the entire area, you can boondock near the mount's base for up to 14 days. The area surrounding Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse is a great option, and it is a flat meadowland. You can also visit several national parks, including Zion National Park, three hours north of Mt. Trumbull in Utah; Bryce Canyon National Park, three hours and 54 minutes to the northeast in Utah; and Grand Canyon National Park, three hours and 38 minutes southeast of the BLM site.
While you are getting to Mt. Trumbull, consider staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. You can locate them by searching for "BLM camping near me" along your route. These campgrounds, which are often free, usually allow you to stay up to 14 days. Some charge a very minimal fee. You can also boondock on any public land where camping is not expressly prohibited.
The Grand Wash Cliffs Middle Bench Trail follows many old BLM roads. Consider hiking the trail starting at the south trailhead so that the sun is not in your eyes. This is also the highest point on this trail, so you will lose about 1,000 feet in elevation instead of gaining it. This trail runs through the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness, which is approximately three and a half hours northwest of Mt. Trumbull.
Length: 14.1 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
There is no shade along the Mt. Dellenbaugh Summit Trail, so choose to hike it when the temperatures stay moderate throughout the day. You will love seeing the pinyon, ponderosa, and juniper trees along the start of this trail, which is three hours and 12 minutes southwest of Mt. Trumbull. The second part of the trail is an excellent cardiovascular workout as you gain over 1,000 feet in elevation. You will need to scramble over some lava rock boulders at the end of this trail before reaching its summit.
Length: 5.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Summer temperatures frequently hit over 115 degrees along the Pakoon Summit Trail, so hike it in the spring and fall. Frequent winter rains make this trail inaccessible in the winter. Wear hiking shoes with excellent traction as the path is clay and can get very slippery. The views of the Grand Wash Cliffs and the Virgin Mountains are stunning from this trail, which can be reached by traveling four hours west of Mt. Trumbull.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Sand Hollow Reservoir near St. George, Utah is a fantastic place to fish. This 1,322-acre reservoir is in Sand Hollow State Park, which is located two hours and 48 minutes north of Mt. Trumbull. Kayaks are available to rent, so you can also have some paddling fun. The 100-unit campground makes it easy to enjoy time at this location.
Chuckawalla Wall near St. George, three hours northwest of Mt. Trumbull, is a fantastic place to go climbing. This sandstone rock formation features several bolted routes that require 10 clips or less. There is a spacious parking lot, and you can reach the wall with about a two-minute hike. If you continue down Sunset Boulevard for about two miles, you get to Turtle Wall, which is also a beautiful place to climb.
Take your binoculars along, and head to Whitmore Canyon, which is accessible off Bureau of Land Management Road 105 and about two hours south of Mt. Trumbull. This road is also part of the Mt. Trumbull Scenic Drive. As you look up, you will likely see bighorn sheep and mule deer at higher elevations. Look overhead, and you may see various birds as this is part of the Pacific Flyway. This stop also offers stunning views of the Grand Canyon.
The large meadow next to the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse, which is 47 minutes northwest of Mt. Trumbull, is a fantastic place for a picnic. Called Nixon Flat, it features many old vehicles and informational kiosks. The schoolhouse contains even more displays.
If RV camping with amenities like RV hookups and hot showers appeals to you more than primitive camping, you can travel two hours and 16 minutes northeast of Mt. Trumbull to reach Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campground. It features 58 spaces with full hookups, and there are restrooms and showers, Wi-Fi, outdoor games, and more. Located two hours and 27 minutes to the northeast is Wheel Inn RV Park. Here, you can enjoy parkwide Wi-Fi, as well as pull-through, full-hookup RV sites. At Country Rose RV Park, which is next to Wheel Inn RV Park, there are full-hookup sites with pull-through and back-in access. On-site restrooms, shower and laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi are top features of the park.
Boondocking is allowed throughout the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, although Bureau of Land Management free camping in campgrounds does not exist. You can boondock at Mt. Trumbull for up to 14 days, but you will need a free permit. You can also camp at Tuweep Campground an hour and 20 minutes south of Mt. Trumbull. There is no water or other services, but there are composting toilets. Mount Logan Wilderness Area, which is 36 minutes southwest of Mt. Trumbull, is another place you can go primitive BLM RV camping. The area is extremely remote, so there are no services available.
There are only two places to get water along Mt. Trumbull Scenic Drive, and they both have non-potable water, so you need to plan how you will carry water with you. If you climb Mt. Trumbull Trail or another trail in the area, bring a hydration backpack as temperatures often rise to over 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for options that are easy to fill and clean. You will want one that is easy to drink from as it will encourage you to consume more water.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Mt. Trumbull contains many historical artifacts from when the Mormons settled in this area in about 1919. As you travel along the scenic drive, you may also see petroglyphs from even earlier civilizations. Therefore, be sure to do your part to keep the area clean for others to enjoy by packing out your trash.
Take Exit 2 off Interstate 15 near St. George, Utah. Turn south on River Road. It turns into BLM Road 1069. In 20 miles, turn south on BLM Road 1004. Take it until you get to Mohave County Highway 5. Turn on Highway 5, and go 15 miles. Watch for the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse as the hill sits right behind it.
Ready to visit Mt. Trumbull? 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.
