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Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency, oversees and maintains one out of every 10 acres of US land to sustain its diversity and health. Many BLM sites offer camping amenities, and most allow stays of up to 14 days. To find BLM sites that work with the RV trip you’re planning, you can search for “BLM camping near me.”

One BLM site you may want to visit, the Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail, is located between Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona, not far from Lake Havasu and the Parker Strip Recreation Area. The trail also borders the Whipple Mountains Wilderness Area, making the location a prime spot for photography and wildlife enthusiasts. The immediate area also offers many hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and rock-climbing options. The nearest national parks are Joshua Tree National Park, which is two hours and 50 minutes southwest of Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail, and Grand Canyon National Park, which is four hours and 47 minutes to the northeast in Arizona.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail

Although this trail offers several challenging uphill sections, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views, and many people spot wildlife along the way.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Crack in the Wall Trail

One of the most popular hikes in the area, this trail, more commonly known as SARA Crack, is located in the Special Activities and Recreation Area (SARA) Park in Arizona an hour and 12 minutes northeast of Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail. It provides beautiful views of the lake.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Pilot Rock Trail

Parts of this SARA Park trail can be quite rocky, but the views of the lake and nearby lighthouse make the hike picturesque.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Blue Trail and Lizard Peak Loop

This gorgeous trail, also located in SARA Park, offers stunning views and is perfect for spotting wildlife.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lake Havasu Watershed Loop

This trail at SARA Park, which is ideal for both hiking and mountain biking, provides views of the area’s amazing rock formations.

Length: 9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Approximately an hour southeast of Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail is the Parker Strip Recreation Area, which follows the Colorado River. It offers fantastic fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Visitors can stop at either the Cable Car Day Use Area or Bullfrog Day Use Area or find a more secluded location in the recreation area to catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill.

ClimbingClimbing

The rock formations throughout the area around the Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail offer many climbing opportunities. However, the most popular and best-charted location is Crab Claw Rock, which is two hours north of Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail. The rock, which is a tall tower, offers both traditional and top-rope routes. There are also many nearby options for bouldering.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Visitors to the Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail can often spot many animals, including burros, bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, bobcats, quail, hawks, eagles, roadrunners, lizards, snakes, and tortoises. The Parker Strip Recreation Area and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, an hour and 44 minutes to the northwest, are also excellent wildlife watching spots. The wildlife refuge, in particular, is a wonderful place to see migratory birds.

Picnicking

Picnickers interested in hiking can take the Pilot Rock Trail. At the trail’s end, picnic tables are available, and they provide beautiful views of the lake. A picnic table is also available at the summit of Blue Trail and Lizard Peak Loop in nearby SARA Park. The Bullfrog Day Use Area in the Parker Strip Recreation Area also features picnic tables and restrooms.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

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If you would rather park your RV somewhere that has amenities instead of going BLM RV camping, Black Meadow Landing is only 45 minutes east of Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail. In addition to full-hookup RV sites, the resort features motel rooms, a marina and boat launch, a five-hole golf course, a diner, and a convenience store. You could also choose to stay at Havasu Springs Resort, an hour and 26 minutes southeast of Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail. Here, there are 136 full-hookup sites and several shower and laundry facilities. There are also motel rooms on the grounds as well as a pool and hot tub that RVers can use.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the Whipple Mountains Wilderness, which is located just a bit to the southwest in Needles, CA. There are actually three campsites here. At Cottonwood Campground, there are 62 campsites, drinking water and flush toilets. There are group campsites at Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground by reservation only. Trash bins, vault toilets and potable water are also available. You could also stay at one of the 26 sites at Mid Hills Campground. While there are pit toilets and trash receptacles, there is no drinking water.

RV Rentals Near Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail BLM trip

The Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail, and many of the nearby BLM camping areas, are gorgeous, but quite remote, so plan carefully, and take any necessary safety precautions. Remember that temperatures can be extremely hot in the area during the summer, late spring, and early fall months. Always carry plenty of water, and shield yourself from the sun whenever possible. Stay alert for any signs of dehydration or exposure.

The area around the trail is somewhat rugged, and although most campsites are RV-friendly, always double-check before driving down any rough or dirt roads. Always respect any regulations an area may have concerning motor vehicles or where to park. It’s often best to park only in designated camping areas to leave as little footprint as possible.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

You can help protect and preserve Bureau of Land Management campgrounds by always disposing of your trash properly. If no trash can is available, take the trash with you when you go. Be cautious when building fires. Make sure they stay controlled, and carry a shovel to cover the coals with dirt when you leave. Share trails and camping areas, and keep noise disturbances to a minimum. Try to limit your impact on the environment by sticking to trails and designated camping areas, and don’t pick flowers or dig up any plants.

Leave No Trace
Location

Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail Location

From Needles, take US Highway 95 South for about 45 miles until you reach the junction for CA State Highway 62. Make a left onto the highway, and continue east for another 16 miles. Continue straight through the small town of Earp onto Parker Dam Road. Continue for another 13 miles before turning left on MWD Road. Continue for another five miles, and then turn left onto BLM Route NS056/Powerline Road. Continue for another six miles before turning right into the pullout. The trailhead is on the west side of the road.

Ready to visit Cupcake Mountain Hiking 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.

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