The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located within Arizona's beautiful Sierra Estrella Wilderness, the Quartz Peak Trail is a scenic hiking trail under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The popular trail is located in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, only a few miles southwest of Phoenix, AZ. Like many BLM-maintained natural areas, the Quartz Peak Trail site offers great opportunities for primitive camping and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, paddling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
The Quartz Peak Trail is just one of numerous BLM sites in Arizona, and in total, the federal agency watches over roughly 247.3 million acres of land around the United States. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new areas, it's worth taking the time to check out some of these natural areas. If you want to find the closest BLM sites to your location, search online for "BLM camping near me."
The Quartz Peak Trail is the main attraction at the BLM site. The beautiful out-and-back trail takes visitors from the floor of the Rainbow Valley to the summit of the Sierra Estrella at Quartz Peak. The route is very steep and difficult to follow in some areas, so only experienced hikers should attempt to traverse it. That said, those who make it to the summit are rewarded with spectacular views of Phoenix and the surrounding region.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Another scenic hiking route found near Phoenix is the North Mountain National Trail, which lies within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The trail is very rocky at the start and does get somewhat steep at certain points, but it's not overly difficult to navigate. The views as you make the trek just get better and better, and the trail is a great route for bringing your dog along. That said, the pups will need to be leashed at all times.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Dixie Mountain Loop Trail is located in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Reserve and features pretty wildflowers and scenic views. In addition to hiking, the route is an excellent destination for mountain biking and horseback riding as well. You'll also have a very good chance of spotting some local wildlife while you're making your way along the trail.
Length: 4.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you're looking to enjoy some fishing near the Quartz Peak Trail, the best nearby option will likely be the Gila River, which flows only a few miles north of the BLM site. The river is inhabited by Gila trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and sunfish. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to spend a day out on the water, the river is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting as well.
Although the Quartz Peak Trail is a steep, challenging hike, you'll need to travel outside the BLM site to find any true climbing destinations. If you are a serious climber, a couple of the best nearby spots to explore will be the McDowell Mountains and Pinnacle Peak. Both locations offer excellent traditional climbing on high-quality granite. These two climbing areas are Scottsdale City Parks, and creating new routes is not permitted at either site.
The area surrounding the Quartz Peak Trail is a fantastic spot for both bird watching and wildlife viewing. A few of the avian species you may see flying by include the turkey vulture, mountain bluebird, red-tailed hawk, Gambel's quail, prairie falcon, and a variety of beautiful songbirds. On the ground, you may be lucky enough to spot coyotes, desert cottontails, round-tailed ground squirrels, and many kinds of interesting lizards and snakes.
There is at least one picnic table located at the Quartz Peak Trailhead, and it's the perfect place to stop for some food before or after your hike. Alternatively, if you bring a blanket with you, you can choose a high-elevation spot somewhere along the trail and enjoy your picnic with breathtaking views of the area. The hike is pretty challenging, so there's a good chance you'll get hungry along the way, and pausing for a picnic would be a great way to refuel.
The Quartz Peak Trail area doesn't feature any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but BLM RV camping is still a possibility. However, if you prefer to stay at a modern campground with RV hookups and amenities, you will have a variety of great nearby options. Because the BLM site is so close to Phoenix, there is no shortage of comfortable camping options. A couple great options within a few miles of the trail are the Sonoran Desert RV Park and the Leaf Verde RV Resort.
If your intention is to camp within the actual Quartz Peak Trail BLM site, then Bureau of Land Management free camping will be the way to go. The land in the area is generally pretty harsh, so you should only go the route of dispersed camping if you're okay with roughing it. However, there should be plenty of places near the trail where you can set up a peaceful primitive campsite.
When you're planning a trip to the Quartz Peak Trail BLM site, make sure to pay attention to the weather forecast. If you're not a fan of extreme heat, you'll probably want to avoid visiting during the summer months, when the temperatures can sometimes exceed 120 degrees. Regardless of when you visit, you'll want to bring lots of extra drinking water and, if needed, protection from the sun.
While you're hiking the Quartz Peak Trail or exploring the surrounding area, it's important that you watch where you're stepping. Rattlesnakes as well as a variety of other snakes and small reptiles are known to inhabit the area, and you'll need to be careful to avoid accidentally stepping on one. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're visiting the Quartz Peak Trail, the BLM asks that you help keep the natural site clean and healthy. During your trip, please make an effort to plan your travels and activities in advance; doing so will make it much easier for you to minimize your impact on the land.
To reach the Quartz Peak Trailhead from Phoenix, travel westward on I-10 and take exit 126 to head south on Estrella Parkway to Elliot Road. Turn right onto Elliot Road and follow it west until you reach Rainbow Valley Road. Turn left, then continue heading south for approximately 9.3 miles. At this point, the pavement will end, and you'll want to take a left onto Riggs Road and follow it for about 4 miles. Next, turn right onto Bullard Ave, cross the culvert, and take an immediate left onto the dirt road. Head east and continue for roughly 5.3 miles, following the "Trail" signs. Take a right onto Powerline Road, follow it for 1.9 miles, and take a left at the brown "Trail" sign. After another 1.9 miles, you'll reach the trailhead.
Ready to visit Quartz Peak 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 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.
