Leave No Trace 
While you're visiting the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area, please make an effort to minimize your impact on the land. If you come across anything interesting while exploring, refrain from moving or taking it with you.
BLM Camping
North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area
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, or BLM, is a federal government agency tasked with protecting unique natural sites all over the United States. The sites that the agency administers are diverse, and many of them contain well-kept, affordable camping areas. Additionally, the majority of these natural areas feature impressive landmarks, unique geographical features, and opportunities for a wide variety of recreational activities. By searching online for "BLM camping near me," you can discover the coolest such sites in your region.
One BLM site worth visiting is the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area, which is located in southern Arizona near the bustling city of Phoenix, AZ. The site comprises 63,200 acres of low-elevation mountains and extensive desert plains. Visitors regularly travel to the area to enjoy primitive camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. The BLM site is also located within a short distance of several national forests and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Margie's Cove Trail
The Margie's Cove Trail is a relatively long out-and-back trail located within the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area. The trail is beautiful to visit any time of year and offers excellent opportunities to enjoy some solitude in the breathtaking desert environment. You're welcome to bring your pups along with you, but they'll need to remain leashed.
Length: 7.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Telegraph Pass Trail
The Telegraph Pass Trail is one of many scenic trails found in the greater Phoenix area. The out-and-back route is a very popular hiking destination, so there's a good chance you'll see some other people while you're there. The trail is partially paved, making it a great spot for trail running and dog-walking. The route is also kid-friendly and offers exceptional views of the Phoenix area. As an added bonus, there are also Hohokam petroglyphs that can be found near the trail.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Two Bit Peak Trail
The Two Bit Peak Trail is a fairly short out-and-back trail located within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The rocky route requires a bit of climbing, but it's not overly difficult, and the views make it more than worth the effort. Your dogs can accompany you on the hike and can even be off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
If you're in search of water-based recreation, the best destination near the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area is the beautiful Gila River. Although many don't consider the river to be worth fishing, it actually boasts some of the best fishing holes in the state. When you cast out your line, you'll have an excellent chance to reel in largemouth bass, Apache trout, and Gila trout. Certain parts of the Gila River are also wonderful areas for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting.
Climbing
There are quite a few quality destinations for climbing in the greater Phoenix area. One of the most popular spots is the McDowell Mountain range, which features multiple sport and traditional climbing routes with difficulties ranging from 5.5 to 5.9 PG13. A couple of other popular climbing areas to check out are Pinnacle Peak and Camelback Mountain.
Wildlife Viewing
The North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area is located within the Sonoran Desert, and there are many interesting wildlife species that inhabit the region. Some of the creatures you may be lucky enough to see during your visit include desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and deer. The area offers great bird-watching opportunities as well; while you're exploring the site, you should keep your eyes on the sky for Gambel's quail and several types of raptors that may fly overhead.
Picnicking
Since the BLM site is a wilderness area, you may not be able to find any picnic tables or shelters. However, you always have the option of taking a picnic blanket down to the shores of the nearby Gila River and having a peaceful lunch by the water. Alternatively, you could travel into nearby Phoenix and have your picnic at one of the many scenic parks in and around the city, such as Tolleson Veterans Park or Cesar Chavez Park.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
If you're looking to partake in RV camping, you'll need to find a spot outside of the designated wilderness area at the BLM site. Due to federal regulations, no motorized equipment is permitted within wilderness areas, and that includes RVs and other vehicles. If you'd rather not stake out your own primitive campsites outside of the BLM area, you can stay at one of the nearby RV parks. Although they aren't Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, places like the Sonoran Desert RV Park and the Conde's Sentinel RV Park are quality options in the area with hookups and amenities.
Free Camping 
You'll have the opportunity to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area. One good option is to park your RV or vehicle outside the wilderness area and hike into the BLM site. Then, you can choose a peaceful spot in the wilderness for your dispersed camping.
RV Rentals Near North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area BLM trip
When you're planning a trip to the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area, it's important to consider the season and check the weather forecast. During the summer, the temperatures in the Sonoran Desert can exceed 120 degrees. For this reason, the recommended times to visit are between October and April. You'll also want to be aware that access to the BLM site is primarily restricted to primitive, unmarked roads. Due to the potential for getting lost or stranded, it would be prudent to bring plenty of emergency and first-aid supplies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area Location
To reach the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area from Phoenix, take S Rainbow Valley Rd and follow it for 5.2 miles. When you reach W Riggs Rd, turn right, then continue for about 6 miles. Next, take a right onto Komatke Rd, then it will be primitive roads to reach the wilderness area. Keep an eye open for signs leading to the BLM site.
Ready to visit North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area? 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.
Nearby BLM Locations
- Margie's Cove East Trailhead - Bureau of Land Management
- Margies Cove West Trailhead - Bureau of Land Management
- Margie’s Cove West Campground - Bureau of Land Management
- South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area - Bureau of Land Management
- Sonoran Desert National Monument - Bureau of Land Management