Dispersed Camping
South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area
South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area offers a rugged terrain with rocky landscapes and sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from 40°F in winter to over 100°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Sonoran Desert National Monument and the Gila River, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
The 60,100-acre South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is located in southwestern Maricopa County, 16 miles east of Gila Bend and 30 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. This wilderness includes 13 miles of the Maricopa Mountain range, a low elevation Sonoran Desert range, and extensive desert plains. The eastern part of the wilderness has an isolated and screened mountainous interior, formed by long ridges and isolated peaks, separated by plains and washes. The western part is dominated by desert flats fronting the east-west trending Maricopa Mountains ridgeline. This area's large size, varied landforms, and wildness provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography are some activities both experienced and family-oriented outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy. Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and various raptors also inhabit the wilderness. Saguaro, cholla, and ocotillo, paloverde and mesquite are among the many plant species.
Location
South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area is located in Arizona
Directions
This wilderness area is a two-hour drive from metropolitan Phoenix, but access is difficult. Because road conditions vary, high-clearance and four wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Interstate Highway 8 parallels the south boundary of the wilderness, but offers no access to the wilderness. The north boundary can be accessed from primitive dirt roads south of Maricopa Road, but active railroad tracks and rights-of-way restrict public crossings. No roads lead to the western and eastern boundaries of the wilderness.
Coordinates
32.92529954 N
112.39834436 W
Access
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Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 19 min from Phoenix
- 1 hr 28 min from Tucson
- 1 hr 58 min from Yuma
- 2 hrs 24 min from Prescott Valley
