The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Over the years, BLM Arizona has managed these lands to ensure sustainable use, wildlife protection, and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. You can locate BLM sites by searching "BLM camping near me." Woolsey Peak Wilderness is a vast expanse of land encompassing approximately 64,000 acres of pristine desert landscape established in 1990. This area offers campers a serene and picturesque setting to enjoy the beauty of the Southwest. Visitors can experience a unique environment with rugged mountains, wide-open plains, and native desert flora, and fauna. For those looking to explore more of Arizona's natural wonders, Saguaro National Park is the closest national park to Woolsey Peak Wilderness. This park is renowned for its unique and majestic saguaro cacti, which can grow up to 40 feet tall and live for over 150 years.
Woolsey Peak Trail is a loop trail that offers hikers an invigorating adventure through the wilderness. While traversing the path, hikers will encounter native plant species and have the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. It is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companion along for the journey on a leash. Length: 5 miles Intensity: Difficult
This out-and-back trail offers a unique opportunity to admire ancient petroglyphs left by Native Americans, providing a glimpse into their rich cultural history. You should note that this trail has no shade, so hikers should come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Length: 0.6 miles Intensity: Easy
This beautiful loop trail is ideal for hiking enthusiasts seeking a thrilling scramble up the 2,214-foot Yellow Medicine Butte. As you ascend, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the desert terrain. Length: 5.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
The loop trail circles around the base of the 2,424-foot Cortez Peak. As you follow the trail, you'll be treated to picturesque views of the meandering river, which adds a charming touch to the otherwise arid surroundings. This trail is also pet-friendly. Length: 9.5 miles Intensity: Difficult
Gila River traverses the Woolsey Peak Wilderness and is an ideal location for anglers looking to experience a peaceful day of fishing. Notable fish species in the river include catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and carp. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to cast your line as these are the periods when fish are most actively feeding. Some of the best spots for fishing along the Gila River include stretches near the confluence with the Agua Fria River and the Gillespie Dam area. In Arizona, anyone aged 10 and above requires a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online or at authorized dealers such as sporting goods stores.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, near the Woolsey Peak Wilderness, is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. The park boasts an impressive assortment of quartzite and granite rock formations, providing climbers with varying degrees of difficulty and challenge. The park has two distinct climbing areas: Waterfall Canyon Trailhead and the Roadrunner Trail.
One of the top wildlife viewing spots within the Woolsey Peak Wilderness is the Gila River corridor, where you can spot various bird species, such as the great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, and waterfowl. Other excellent locations for wildlife observation include the desert plains surrounding the peak, home to diverse fauna like the Sonoran desert tortoise, desert bighorn sheep, and the elusive Gila monster. Additionally, the wilderness area is a habitat for several species of mammals, such as the black-tailed jackrabbit, coyote, and mule deer, often more active during dawn and dusk.
Horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore the Woolsey Peak Wilderness, allowing you to traverse the vast landscape. Several local outfitters offer guided horseback riding tours, allowing visitors to explore the wilderness with an experienced guide. These tours can range from short, scenic rides to multi-day excursions, allowing riders to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural environment.
BLM RV camping is possible at Woolsey Peak Wilderness. Some Bureau of Land Management campgrounds include Leaf Verde RV Resort, Covered Wagon RV Park, and Desert's Edge RV – Purple Park. Leaf Verde RV Resort has over 370 RV sites with full hookups. The pet-friendly Covered Wagon RV Park has daily charges of $44. You will love the big rig-friendly Desert's Edge RV – Purple Park that has a fitness center.
Bureau of Land Management free camping around Woolsey Peak Wilderness is possible. Enjoy dispersed camping in the Saddle Mountains BLM area, which is free. BLM campgrounds have a maximum stay of 14 days in a single-month period.
When planning your Bureau of Land Management camping trip, check the weather forecast before your trip as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in the desert, and sudden storms can occur. Cooking options during your BLM camping trip may include portable stoves or grills but always adhere to fire regulations and restrictions. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Preserving the natural beauty and pristine condition of public BLM land is a shared responsibility among all visitors. Cleaning up after yourself when camping on these lands is essential to ensure the continued enjoyment and accessibility of these areas for future generations. Proper waste disposal, including packing out all trash, leftover food, and litter, helps maintain the ecosystem's health and prevents the attraction of wildlife to human food sources.
From Phoenix, drive on west I-10 and turn left onto S Palo Verde Road. Drive for six miles on this road and turn right onto W Old Highway 80. Drive for 13.3 miles to reach Woolsey Peak Wilderness. Bureau of Land Management, Lower Sonoran Field Office Address: 2020 E Bell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85022 Ready to visit Woolsey Peak 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.
