The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
When you are visiting Grand Canyon National Park, extend your trip by visiting Parashant National Monument. This site is maintained under the Bureau of Land Management, a government organization that protects federal land. Bureau of Land Management camping is available in this area for up to 14 days in a 28-day period.
You will need a high-clearance vehicle to get to this remote location covering more than 1 million acres that very few people see. Most of this park lies at least 70 miles off a paved road. Therefore, you will discover that the land is like that experienced by the first Arizona settlers. While you can expect dirt roads, there are miles of scenic drives to enjoy. This monument is also home to an annual astronomy festival. The weather makes this a great place to visit during the spring, when you will discover wildflowers in bloom and the fall and winter when hiking conditions are outstanding.
Enter the trailhead located on Mohave County Road 5 to start this hike that climbs 1,515 feet in elevation over its 5.1-mile roundtrip course. Enjoy seeing stunning views of Toroweap Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab Plateau, the western Vermilion Cliffs, and the Pine Valley Mountains while climbing this trail through the Trumbull designated wilderness. This hike is usually only available from mid-April to December because snowfall makes the trail impassable in the winter.
Length: 5.1 miles round trip
Intensity: Strenuous
Start at the trailhead located along Country Road 103. This hike goes up Mt. Dellenbaugh, which was climbed in 1869 by John Wesley Powell. It offers beautiful views of the western Grand Canyon and Arizona Strip while climbing over 7,072 feet in elevation. Since there is no shade and it can be snowy and icy in the winter, this clay surface hike is best done in the spring and fall when it is dry.
Length: 5.2 miles round trip
Intensity: Strenuous
Start this short hike at the trailhead off BLM 1064 Road. Stroll through the ponderosa pine forest while noticing the bizarre form that the elements have caused some trees to develop. The summit offers awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon. You can also look down into Hells Hole Canyon.
Length: 1 mile roundtrip
Intensity: Moderate
This trail starts off County Road 111. See the springs bubble from the ground while hiking this trail where you can see various birds and farrow burros. This relatively flat hike is best done in the spring and fall because temperatures can reach 115 degrees in the summer. Enjoy views of the Grand Wash Cliffs and the Virgin Mountains while walking on this clay trail.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
The trailhead for this trail is off National Park Service Road 1219. This flat trail provides beautiful views of the west end of the Grand Canyon. You can also see the top of Mt. Charleston, located about 160 miles away on a clear day.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Easy
There is no fishing available at Grand Canyon Parashant. If you have an Arizona fishing license, you can fish in the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek within Grand Canyon National Park. Special regulations apply to the number of fish you can catch in both locations, so check the latest rules.
While there are no climbing routes in the Grand Canyon Parashant, you will want to explore Virgin River Gorge that some argue is the best limestone climbing in the United States. This site near Littlefield, Arizona, has between 50 and 100 named routes. Consider climbing the Planet Earth route near Mentor Cave, a short distance off Interstate 15. This rock features many overhanging rocks with numerous long roof bands.
This is one of the very few places on Earth that the threatened desert tortoise lives. In addition, visitors may see desert bighorn sheep, rabbits, coyotes, mountain lions, migratory birds, raptors, rattlesnakes, and other reptiles. Although many have been rounded up, you may also see wild burros at this site. The first burros were brought to this area by miners in the 1800s.
There are no facilities for picnicking. However, if a burn ban is not in effect, you can build a campfire anywhere in the monument. There are fantastic places with scenic views where you can enjoy a picnic.
Each September, a four-day astronomy festival is held. In the evening, special activities for children start the event at the Tonaquint Nature Center in St. George, Utah. Then there is a star party after the skies get dark.
There are no organized Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at this monument. You can car camp along the roads, though. Be sure to pick an area with a wide pullout.
Depending on your location at this monument, you can find several places to go RV camping. Consider campgrounds in St. George, Utah, like Hillside Palms RV and Mobile Home Park. You can also find numerous options in Leeds, Utah, including Leeds RV Park and Motel.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available within this site. You can also primitive camp nearby at the Gold Butte National Monument. You may also be able to boondock at the Flying J Travel Plaza in Mesquite, Nevada.
There are no services at Grand Canyon Parashant, so be sure to bring the supplies you need. You will want to bring water as it can be extremely scarce, especially during the summer months when temperatures can hit 115 degrees.
Your cellphone will not work at this site, and there are very few monument rangers. Therefore, you should plan for medical emergencies by bringing a well-stocked first aid kit. Additionally, you should also leave an itinerary of your trip with someone who is not going on your fantastic adventure. This allows them to contact authorities if you become overdue.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
This is a wilderness area, and there is no trash service. Therefore, prepare to pack out what you bring in when you go BLM RV camping. If you find someone’s trash, pack it out too because you will want to leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The closest city to Grand Canyon Parashant is Bunkerville, Nevada, which is three hours away. From Bunkerville, take Nevada 170 South. Continue straight to get on Gold Butte Road. Turn onto St. Thomas Gap Road. Finally, turn onto BLM-1002 and continue until you reach the monument.
Ready to visit Grand Canyon Parashant? 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.
