The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Sears Point is an area of volcanic basalt outcrops near the Gila River. Hundreds of petroglyphs can be found on the outcroppings, dating back thousands of years. Visitors can also enjoy geoglyphs, sleeping circles and a historic canal. This site is protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining 245 million acres of land in the United States. The BLM's continued efforts have made it possible for visitors to hike, camp and explore culturally significant sites like Sears Point. Learn more about the Spanish explorers that once frequented the area, or take your time looking for wildlife in the sweeping mesquite bosque nearby.
Saguaro National Park is about 188 miles away while the Joshua Tree National Park in California is 296 miles northwest. The prominent city of San Luis Río Colorado is two hours west on Interstate 8.
This short trail is perfect for those who want to peruse petroglyphs. Take plenty of photos of the rocks while enjoying the desert around you. It's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is more manageable.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
This challenging trail has a lot of loose rocks and sandy sections. There's very little shade as you push yourself to the top. However, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kofa Wilderness.
Length: 5.4 miles
Intensity: Hard
This secluded trail offers outstanding vistas of the local wildlife and saguaros. Visitors often park their RVs around the trailhead for easy access to the wilderness. Dogs are welcome here if they're kept on a leash.
Length: 7.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Gila River has 36 different fish species from largemouth bass to channel catfish to sunfish. Bouse Wash to the north offers smallmouth and largemouth bass. Head east toward Phoenix for more fishing and boating opportunities in the Tonto National Forest.
You'll find the best climbing opportunities around the Sonoran Desert National Monument less than an hour away from Sears Point. The monument has three mountain ranges as well as a variety of hills.
As you're exploring Sears Point, you're likely to come across prairie dogs, javelina, bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, jackrabbits, and even sheep. Predators like mountain lions and wolves are less common finds. Keep an eye out at dusk for bats, great-horned owls, and horned lizards.
Sears Point is in an isolated location far from established bathrooms and picnic areas. You're welcome to rest and eat on the trails as you're hiking or near your RV, however. Gila Bend is about an hour away and is home to the Sentinel Rest Area Westbound. If you plan to picnic out in the Arizona wilderness, always fully clean up after your group before moving on.
Consider planning your RV camping trip at one of the nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. These sites often have limited amenities but offer unbeatable access to nature trails and historical sites. The Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground, for example, has 59 campsites that can accommodate motorhomes and tents. While they don't have water or electricity, they do offer vault toilets, trash services, and charcoal grills.
More modern amenities are available at campgrounds like Palms Mobile Home RV Park. This campground offers laundry facilities, full hookups, and Wi-Fi. The Oasis RV Park at Aztec Hills has 35 sites with full hookups as well as a swimming pool and up-to-date bathrooms and showers. They're open throughout the year and provide exceptional desert access for ATVs.
For Bureau of Land Management free camping options, dispersed camping is a popular alternative to organized campgrounds. Stay on the BLM lands near your favorite trail or historic site for up to 14 days. You're also free to park your RV on a compatible highway like Interstate 8. Free camping is available near Sears Point at the Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed site in Tonopah. Once you get to the area, search "BLM camping near me" for more options.
Arizona is known for its scorching summer days and mild nights. Pack plenty of water and invest heavily in sunscreen. Sunhats and visors will protect your face and neck from burning. Download any trail maps you need before you hike through the wilderness. The further into the desert you travel, the more likely you'll lose cell service. Camping with a group is safer and more fun than exploring alone.
Plan your visit to Sears Point today to see beautiful saguaro cacti and learn more about the Gila River. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All BLM visitors should be considerate of others and the local wildlife. Never try to feed or otherwise disturb the animals you come across. Leave all artifacts and rocks where you find them. Outline your trip ahead of time to minimize your impact on the environment around you. Leaving no waste behind and only camping on durable surfaces will help preserve Arizona's gorgeous landscape.
From Yuma, drive east on Interstate 8 for 75 miles. Head north on North Frontage Road until you reach Avenue 76SE. Turn north again and drive for seven miles until you reach a cleared area near a ridge. Be aware that the road can become difficult to traverse after heavy rain.
Field Office Address: 7341 E 30th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365
Ready to visit Sears Point? 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.
