Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway

Show on map 602-867-5400 blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov

Hassayampa Field Office, 21605 North 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Running up the Harquahala Mountain, this road provides amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding desert. Along the byway are a series of diverse flora, numerous historical mining sites, stone structures, and informational sites regarding the work done on-site. Once visitors reach the top of the byway, an observatory build by the Smithsonian gives a gorgeous viewpoint to look over the whole area with changes in elevation and landscapes to provide a fun, yet challenging route.

Byway Details

The Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway is located in southern Arizona around Maricopa County approximately 80 miles west of Pheonix. The byway spans 10.5 miles running along the beautiful Eagletail Mountains and contains both historic small-cale mining sites and vast open wilderness to engage with. Visitors who scale the 5,600 foot change in elevation can get a birds-eye view of the pristine Upper Sonoran Desert habitat

Attractions & Features

Picnic and campsite areas allowing for multiple groups to set up near natural areas
Observatory looking over the entire landscape
Opportunities to see flora and fauna with various reptiles, mammals, cacti, desert plants, and other desert adapted species

Byway Designation

The Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway was officially designated as a Type III byway in 2000. This designation is in recognition of the sites of scenic, historical, educational, and wildlife values. With the designation of a Type III byway, only vehicles with 4-wheel drive are permitted as the desert terrain remains mostly untouched. The byway is managed by Maricopa County with the assistance of federal and state partners.

Directions

The staging area is located in Maricopa County, approximately 80 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona off of Eagle Eye Road. From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 west to exit 81 for Salome Road. Turn right and follow for 9.6 miles to Eagle Eye Road. Turn right and drive north 8.5 miles. Look for the directional sign and turn left and the staging area is 0.2 miles on the right. Alternate access from the north is through the small farm town of Aguila, 25 miles west of Wickenburg. From Wickenburg, take U.S. 60 west to Aguila for 26 miles. Turn left onto Eagle Eye Road and drive south for 18.5 miles. Look for the directional sign and turn right and the staging area is 0.2 miles on the right.

Fees

Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway are free (no fee required) for general visits by the public. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Hassayampa Field Office for more information about special recreation permits. Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona.

Stay Limit

Most of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.