The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Trigo Mountain Wilderness is a 30,300-acre area located in the southwestern corner of Arizona. The large wilderness area lies just east of the Colorado River and the California-Arizona border. The area is relatively remote and features very little in the way of established sites or designated recreational spaces. However, the site's tranquility makes it a desirable destination for those who enjoy adventuring and connecting with nature. The site is also located near two popular wildlife refuges, and it's only about 60 miles southwest of the wonderful Joshua Tree National Park. The national park is one of the most famous landmarks in California and provides opportunities for many recreational activities.
The Trigo Mountain Wilderness is under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency responsible for administering various public sites. Because many of the sites boast well-maintained campgrounds, BLM camping is a very popular activity. The BLM watches over hundreds of areas across the United States, and you can locate the ones in your area by searching for "BLM camping near me."
This short out-and-back trail is located in the Kofa Wilderness to the east of the BLM site. In addition to hiking, the route offers opportunities for rock climbing and bird-watching. The trail should be suitable for most hikers, but it does get a bit more challenging as you progress up the canyon. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be leashed.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Also located in the Kofa Wilderness, this out-and-back trail features breathtaking rocky scenery. You should only attempt to hike the trail if you don't mind a challenging climb, as there's quite a bit of elevation gain along the route. There's also very little shade, and it can get quite hot during the summer. If you reach the top of the trail, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Hard
There aren't many significant bodies of water located near the Trigo Mountain Wilderness, but the Colorado River does flow through the area. The section of the large river near the BLM site offers good opportunities for catching striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, and walleye. The prime fishing season in the area lasts from March through November. The river is also relatively popular for kayaking and canoeing.
The Trigo Mountain Wilderness is a very rocky and mountainous area, and it provides numerous opportunities for climbing. The Trigo Mountains are a fairly popular destination for rock climbing, and they feature several routes of varying difficulty levels. For adventurous climbers, there are also plenty of remote, unofficial spots where rock climbing is a possibility. Since there likely won't be other people in these areas, it's especially important that you're as safe as possible while climbing.
Because of the BLM site's proximity to the Colorado River, there are quite a few wildlife species that can be observed in the area. A few of the coolest species you might get a chance to see are bighorn sheep, mule deer, gray foxes, ring-tailed cats, and coyotes. If you head to the nearby Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, you might also spot badgers, desert tortoises, kit foxes, and a variety of bird species.
Technically, BLM RV camping is not a possibility in the Trigo Mountain Wilderness. Due to federal regulations for wilderness areas, no motorized equipment is permitted within the designated wilderness space. So, if you want to partake in RV camping, you'll have to travel outside the BLM site to one of the nearby campgrounds. One nice option that features lovely campsites and full RV hookups is the Arizona Oasis RV Resort, located north of the wilderness area.
There are no official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the Trigo Mountain Wilderness. However, as long as you refrain from operating motorized equipment in the wilderness area, you can partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping at the site. The area is relatively rugged, so the conditions may not be the most comfortable for dispersed camping. However, if you don't mind roughing it a bit, you're welcome to choose a spot and put up your campsite.
When you're planning a trip to the Trigo Mountain Wilderness, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance. During summer, the area often experiences extreme heat, and you'll want to be prepared for that. You should bring along any needed sun protection and lots of drinking water, as there's very little potable water to be found in the area.
If you spend time camping or hiking around the BLM site, it's important to watch where you're walking and putting your hands. The area is home to many reptiles and insects that you would not want to get bitten or stung by. Because of the remoteness of the site, you should also let friends or family members know where you're going ahead of time. You may not have reliable cellphone reception during your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
With a remote nature area like the Trigo Mountain Wilderness, it's especially important that you follow the Leave No Trace principles. Your goal should be to leave as little impact on the land as possible. If you see any wildlife during your visit, please avoid approaching them or getting unnecessarily close.
To reach the Trigo Mountain Wilderness from Yuma, AZ, head northbound on Highway 95 until you reach Martinez Lake Road. Turn west on Martinez Lake Road, and follow it until you reach the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. Take a right onto Wildlife Refuge Rd, which will quickly turn into Red Cloud Mine Road. Follow Red Cloud Mine Road until you come to Red Cloud Wash. At this point, there will be several roads that will take you to the outskirts of the wilderness area. These roads are Cibola Road, Hart Mine Wash Road, and Lopez Wash Road.
Ready to visit Trigo 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 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.
