The Harquahala Mountain Summit Road offers something for everyone! The road
itself is rugged and challenging for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts.
High-clearance vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles are required.

For the nature lover it has beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery with blooming
flora March through May and distinct ecosystem variations can be seen with
changes in elevation. In addition to the typical desert reptiles and critters
which can be encountered, bighorn sheep may also be spotted. For the scenic
enthusiast, the summit is the highest point in southwest Arizona with
breathtaking 360-degree vistas. For hikers, a pack trail leads from the summit
down the mountain through the Harquahala Wilderness Area designated in The
Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 1990. The trail has several difficult and
steep portions.

For the history buff, the drive displays old mining debris, shafts and stone
houses from earlier miners. The grand finale is realized at the summit with
the Harquahala Peak Observatory. The observatory was built by the Smithsonian
in 1920 to measure and record solar activity. It was abandoned in 1925 and in
1975 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has since been
stabilized.

<p>The Harquahala Mountain Summit Road offers something for everyone! The road itself is rugged and challenging for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. High-clearance vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles are required.</p>

<p>For the nature lover it has beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery with blooming flora March through May and distinct ecosystem variations can be seen with changes in elevation. In addition to the typical desert reptiles and critters which can be encountered, bighorn sheep may also be spotted. For the scenic enthusiast, the summit is the highest point in southwest Arizona with breathtaking 360-degree vistas. For hikers, a pack trail leads from the summit down the mountain through the Harquahala Wilderness Area designated in The Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 1990. The trail has several difficult and steep portions.</p>

<p>For the history buff, the drive displays old mining debris, shafts and stone houses from earlier miners. The grand finale is realized at the summit with the <a href="/node/101989" rel="nofollow">Harquahala Peak Observatory</a>. The observatory was built by the Smithsonian in 1920 to measure and record solar activity. It was abandoned in 1925 and in 1975 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has since been stabilized.</p>

Bird's eye view of the park

Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway

## Overview

The 22,880-acre Harquahala Mountains Wilderness lies in Maricopa and La Paz
counties, 80 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona.  
  
This wilderness contains part of one of western Arizona's largest desert
mountain ranges. The 5,691-foot- high Harquahala Peak, the highest point in
southwest Arizona, provides a breathtaking panorama of surrounding desert and
distant mountain ranges. Different from many Sonoran Desert mountain ranges,
the Harquahalas contain a screened interior canyon system. The distinctive
ecosystems provide exceptional natural diversity, including a relict "island"
of interior chaparral, desert grasslands and rare cactus populations. The area
also supports habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, desert
tortoise, and mule deer populations. The area also supports venomous snakes
and the gila monster.  
  
Hikers, backpackers, wildlife observers and photographers will find many
recreation opportunities here. Hike or horseback ride the 5.4 mile Harquahala
pack trail. Rugged topography and the area's sheltered Brown's Canyon interior
drainage system furnish the solitude and secluded experience treasured by many
wilderness visitors.

## Know Before You Go

  * Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
  * Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
  * High-clearance vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles are required.
  * Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

<h2>Overview</h2>

<p>The 22,880-acre Harquahala Mountains Wilderness lies in Maricopa and La Paz counties, 80 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona.<br/>
<br/>
This wilderness contains part of one of western Arizona's largest desert mountain ranges. The 5,691-foot- high Harquahala Peak, the highest point in southwest Arizona, provides a breathtaking panorama of surrounding desert and distant mountain ranges. Different from many Sonoran Desert mountain ranges, the Harquahalas contain a screened interior canyon system. The distinctive ecosystems provide exceptional natural diversity, including a relict "island" of interior chaparral, desert grasslands and rare cactus populations. The area also supports habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, desert tortoise, and mule deer populations. The area also supports venomous snakes and the gila monster.<br/>
<br/>
Hikers, backpackers, wildlife observers and photographers will find many recreation opportunities here. Hike or horseback ride the 5.4 mile Harquahala pack trail. Rugged topography and the area's sheltered Brown's Canyon interior drainage system furnish the solitude and secluded experience treasured by many wilderness visitors.</p>

<h2>Know Before You Go</h2>

<ul>
<li>Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.</li>
<li>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.</li>
<li>High-clearance vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles are required.</li>
<li>Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.</li>
</ul>

Harquahala Mountains Wilderness

The 21,000-acre Big Horn Mountains Wilderness Area lies 60 miles west of
Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The precipitous 1,800-foot-high Big Horn
Peak and neighboring desert plain escarpments give the wilderness exceptional
scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the
area. The Hummingbird Springs Wilderness, northeast of this area, is separated
from the Big Horn Wilderness by a jeep trail.  
  
Nine miles of the jumbled Big Horn Mountains ridgeline cross the wilderness.
The central mountainous core is surrounded by smaller hills, fissures,
chimneys, narrow canyons, and desert plains. This wilderness offers many
recreation opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing,
photography and nature study. Rugged ridges challenge expert climbers, while
side canyons and plains offer easier hiking.  
  
This wilderness fosters habitat for many desert species, such as the desert
bighorn sheep, Gila monster, kit fox and desert tortoise. Golden eagles,
prairie falcons, barn owls and great horned owls nest in the cliffs.

## Know Before You Go

  * Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
  * Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
  * Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

<p>The 21,000-acre Big Horn Mountains Wilderness Area lies 60 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The precipitous 1,800-foot-high Big Horn Peak and neighboring desert plain escarpments give the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The <a href="/node/101154" rel="nofollow">Hummingbird Springs Wilderness</a>, northeast of this area, is separated from the Big Horn Wilderness by a jeep trail.<br><br>Nine miles of the jumbled Big Horn Mountains ridgeline cross the wilderness. The central mountainous core is surrounded by smaller hills, fissures, chimneys, narrow canyons, and desert plains. This wilderness offers many recreation opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, photography and nature study. Rugged ridges challenge expert climbers, while side canyons and plains offer easier hiking.<br><br>This wilderness fosters habitat for many desert species, such as the desert bighorn sheep, Gila monster, kit fox and desert tortoise. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, barn owls and great horned owls nest in the cliffs.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.</li><li>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.</li><li>Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.</li></ul>

Big Horn Mountains Wilderness

## Overview

This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa
County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain
rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional
scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the
area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only
by a jeep trail.

Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The
area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower
peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms,
desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of
recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro,
chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is
habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's
hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be
encountered.

## Know Before You Go

  * Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
  * Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
  * Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

<h2>Overview</h2>

<p>This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.</p>

<p>Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.</p>

<h2>Know Before You Go</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.</li>
	<li>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.</li>
	<li>Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.</li>
</ul>

Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Harquahala Mountains Wilderness

Big Horn Mountains Wilderness

Hummingbird Springs Wilderness