The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The wilderness is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, not far from Phoenix and Gila Bend. In close proximity to Woolsey Peak Wilderness, the Signal Mountain Wilderness covers roughly 13,350 acres. It rises about 1,200 feet above the desert floor and elevates to a height of 2,182 feet. The Bureau of Land Management oversees and protects the Wilderness (BLM).
Sharp volcanic peaks, canyons, arroyos, rocky ridges, and outwash plains are just a few of the varied landscapes that may be found in this wilderness. Visitors have various recreation opportunities to choose from, including rock climbing, rock collecting, hiking, and hunting. Lucky visitors might spot mule deer, a variety of raptors, desert bighorn sheep, and desert tortoises. The wilderness is most enjoyable between October and April due to the high summer temperatures, heavy monsoon rainfall, and accompanying flash flooding.
The Edward's Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes an average of two hours to complete. The trail rises to an elevation of approximately 735 feet and is accessible year-round. Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed. There are a couple of relatively strenuous climbs in and out of Middle Creek Gorge.
Length: 5.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The trail follows Shoal Creek, which is between Ravine and Green Gorge Roads. You can park in tiny pull-offs if you travel along Ravine or Green Gorge. The short trail has three bridges that cross Shoal Creek. It's a moderate to strenuous hike on a loop that descends through a temperate hardwood forest at the edge of the Tennessee Valley. The total elevation gain is 105 feet.
Length: 1.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Cumberland Trail is open to explore at any time of the year. From some viewpoints on the lofty portions of Signal Mountain near Chattanooga, this view-filled hike captures magnificent views. It offers breathtaking outlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge as it follows the Cumberland Trail's southern terminus from three towering overlooks at the Julia Falls Overlook, Signal Point, and Edwards Point. The trail has an elevation gain of 3360 feet and takes about 7 to 8 hours to complete.
Length: 15.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
At Signal Mountain Wilderness, climbing is among the most common activities drawing all levels of climbers. The canyons and valleys surrounding Signal Mountain have a variety of rock climbing routes filled with cracks and fissures. There are several peaks and ridges to be explored at higher altitudes. The complexity of the climbing routes varies, but you will find one that matches your experience.
Visitors to Signal Mountain will appreciate observing the desert wildlife. The lower altitudes of Signal Mountain are home to mule deer and bighorn sheep. Desert tortoises are frequently spotted scurrying over the ground or hiding amid desert vegetation. Hawks and golden eagles are a couple of the raptors known to visit the area.
Hunting is also popular within Signal Mountain for mule deer and quail, frequently found in the low elevations of Signal Mountain. Hunters occasionally hunt for desert bighorn sheep. Although hunting is allowed on this BLM site, Arizona regulations are in effect.
RV Camping at Signal Mountain Wilderness is easy. Grand Teton National Park has campsites for RVs up to 30 feet long and tent camping. During the early and late seasons, this campground's 24 sites with 30 and 50-amp hookups are very popular. The Gila Bend KOA Journey is a modern RV alternative with many amenities. The distance to Signal Mountain Wilderness is little around 40 miles. Any size RV should have no issue fitting into the large sites. The Gila Bend KOA also offers amenities, including hot showers and laundry rooms. It is recommended to make reservations, especially in the busy season.
In Arizona, dispersed camping is allowed, and there are many bureau of land management free camping spots that you can pull over for a night. The six-mile Agua Caliente Road to Signal Mountain is a fantastic camping location. Pack adequate food and water because it is pretty rustic. Also, be ready for most of the year's scorching days and freezing nights. Once you pass the train tracks, camping areas may be found along the road. Other free camping spots include Painted Rock and Saddle Mountain. If you search for BLM camping near me, you will find a variety of options.
There are several bureau of land management campgrounds within Signal Mountain which will make it easier for RV Camping. While some spots have amenities, including water, some do not, and you need to pack enough snacks and water. Great recreational options are available in the Signal Mountain Wilderness, including cross-country riding on foot or a horse, rock climbing, shooting, and wildlife viewing. But there are no clearly identified paths, camping areas, or other built-in recreational facilities.
During the summer, the wilderness area is vulnerable to flash floods and severe rainfall. It is important to dress and equip oneself appropriately for exposure to heat and cold. Wilderness travel has certain possible dangers and hazards, much like other outdoor activities. Flash floods, lightning storms, venomous snakes, insects, and plants are all potential dangers so make sure you carry your first aid kit. Since there aren't enough water sources in the region, bring a lot of water with you. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Once you visit Signal Mountain Wilderness, BLM requires that you clean after yourself. Nothing is more annoying than discovering a fantastic camping location but finding it destroyed by rubbish. If you leave trash behind, you're the problem. Every person has a duty to keep our BLM and other open lands clean. Before leaving the spot, clean and pack any trash to ensure that anyone who comes after you gets even a better experience than you did.
The wilderness is located 35 miles southwest of Phoenix and 18 miles northwest of Gila Bend. It is adjacent to Woolsey Peak Wilderness. Access to this wilderness is on old US Highway 80 via the Aqua Caliente Road and jeep trails. From Phoenix, get on I-10 W, continue on I-10 W to Baseline Rd, and take old US 80 and Agua Caliente Rd to Woolsey Wash.
Address: Arlington, AZ 85322, USA.
Ready to visit Signal Mountain Wilderness? 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, enjoying 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.
