Sport climbing on limestone cliffs in a remote, scenic high desert backcountry
within a two-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson. The canyon and the climbing
routes are on public land administered by the BLM, and on private property
owned by the Access Fund. The area is in a canyon with over 250 sport climbs
on 12 limestone walls on both sides, accessed by primitive foot trails. The
area is at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, with limestone, sandstone
and siltstone rock formations. Vegetation is diverse desert scrub, semi-desert
grasslands, and chaparral with mesquite, palo verde, ocotillo, saguaro,
prickly pear, cholla, catclaw acacia, jojoba, scattered agave, yucca and
sotol.

Land ownership in the area is intermingled BLM, State Trust land, and private
property, including property owned by the Access Fund. Public use of State
Trust land requires a recreational permit from the Arizona State Land
Department. The private property beyond the Access Fund trailhead is not open
to public use.

## Safety Tips

  * Respect and be cautious of local wildlife. Bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes and Africanized bees are common in the area.
  * Bring plenty of water. Extreme heat conditions are typical during summer months.
  * Severe storms with lightning and flash-flooding may occur, usually from mid-June to mid-September. Always stay out of washes and seek shelter if lightning occurs.

Sport climbing on limestone cliffs in a remote, scenic high desert backcountry within a two-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson. The canyon and the climbing routes are on public land administered by the BLM, and on private property owned by the Access Fund. The area is in a canyon with over 250 sport climbs on 12 limestone walls on both sides, accessed by primitive foot trails. The area is at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, with limestone, sandstone and siltstone rock formations. Vegetation is diverse desert scrub, semi-desert grasslands, and chaparral with mesquite, palo verde, ocotillo, saguaro, prickly pear, cholla, catclaw acacia, jojoba, scattered agave, yucca and sotol.Land ownership in the area is intermingled BLM, State Trust land, and private property, including property owned by the Access Fund. Public use of State Trust land requires a recreational permit from the Arizona State Land Department. The private property beyond the Access Fund trailhead is not open to public use.<h2>Safety Tips</h2><ul><li>Respect and be cautious of local wildlife. Bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes and Africanized bees are common in the area.</li><li>Bring plenty of water. Extreme heat conditions are typical during summer months.</li><li>Severe storms with lightning and flash-flooding may occur, usually from mid-June to mid-September. Always stay out of washes and seek shelter if lightning occurs.</li></ul>

Bird's eye view of the park

Homestead Climbing Area

The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and Arizona
State Route (SR) 77 between the Town of Winkelman and Globe in Gila County,
Arizona. It is approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast
of Phoenix.

The area includes approximately five river miles on public land administered
by the Bureau of Land Management that is open to public recreational use.

The area includes two minimally developed sites that provide access from SR 77
to the Gila River for river related recreation. Recreation opportunities
include wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, fishing and small craft river
floating in a scenic Sonoran Desert canyon landscape.

The Shores and Christmas recreation sites offer site roads off the highway,
gravel parking, toilets and primitive picnic camping units. The sites are
available at no cost on a first come, first served basis.

Primitive sites with parking and a fire ring are available. Bring your own
table, cooking stove and site furnishings. The sites are **not suitable for
large motor homes or RV trailers** due to narrow clearance and maneuvering
space.

## Wildlife

The Gila River riparian area and upland canyon habitats provide habitat for a
variety of wildlife, including resident and migratory avian species, small
mammals, reptiles and insects. The recreation sites are largely natural
habitat, and some wildlife may present a hazard, such as rattlesnakes.

Warm water fish (channel catfish and carp, as well as some large flathead
catfish and largemouth bass) may be found in this section of the Gila River.

## River Floating

The Gila River can be accessed for floating at the Christmas and Shores sites,
with a downriver take-out at the Town of Winkelman River Park. River flows are
controlled by releases from the Coolidge Dam for agricultural irrigation in
the Casa Grande-Coolidge area and are typically suitable for small craft river
floating (such as inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubes) from May through
October when flows are over 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the USGS Gila
river Below Coolidge Dam stream gage.

**CAUTION RIVER FLOATERS** : At high flows, 600 cfs or greater, the river may
be at bankfull, and the current runs fast making maneuvering float craft
extremely challenging and difficult or impossible to avoid navigation hazards.
Hazards that may be encountered include tight river turns, restricted sight
distance, debris deposits, tree branches overhanging the stream, fallen trees
across the channel, dense vegetation along the riverbanks, and steep terrain.
Other hazards include a fence across the river upstream between the Christmas
and Shores sites.

## Prohibited Activities

Target shooting and fireworks are not allowed. Vehicles must be kept on the
designated roads and parking areas.

The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Please respect
private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and
obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department for use of State Trust
lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for
hunting or fishing.

## Traveler Services

Lodging, food, fuel and other traveler services are available in nearby towns
of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. The nearest medical
facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro
Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital.

The Town of Winkelman operates a river park with facilities for motor home and
RV camping, water, toilets available for public use. The River Park provides a
take out for floating from the Shores recreation site.

The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and Arizona State Route (SR) 77 between the Town of Winkelman and Globe in Gila County, Arizona. It is approximately 70 miles north of Tucson and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. The area includes approximately five river miles on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management that is open to public recreational use.The area includes two minimally developed sites that provide access from SR 77 to the Gila River for river related recreation. Recreation opportunities include wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, fishing and small craft river floating in a scenic Sonoran Desert canyon landscape. The <a href="/node/101432" rel="nofollow">Shores</a> and <a href="https://blm.gov/node/102435" title="Christmas Recreation Site" rel="nofollow">Christmas</a> recreation sites offer site roads off the highway, gravel parking, toilets and primitive picnic camping units. The sites are available at no cost on a first come, first served basis.Primitive sites with parking and a fire ring are available. Bring your own table, cooking stove and site furnishings. The sites are not suitable for large motor homes or RV trailers due to narrow clearance and maneuvering space.<h2>Wildlife</h2>The Gila River riparian area and upland canyon habitats provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including resident and migratory avian species, small mammals, reptiles and insects. The recreation sites are largely natural habitat, and some wildlife may present a hazard, such as rattlesnakes.Warm water fish (channel catfish and carp, as well as some large flathead catfish and largemouth bass) may be found in this section of the Gila River.<h2>River Floating</h2>The Gila River can be accessed for floating at the <a href="https://blm.gov/node/102435" title="Christmas Recreation Site" rel="nofollow">Christmas</a> and <a href="https://blm.gov/node/101432" title="Shores Recreation Site" rel="nofollow">Shores</a> sites, with a downriver take-out at the Town of Winkelman River Park. River flows are controlled by releases from the Coolidge Dam for agricultural irrigation in the Casa Grande-Coolidge area and are typically suitable for small craft river floating (such as inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubes) from May through October when flows are over 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-09469500/#dataTypeId=continuous-00065-0&period=P7D&showFieldMeasurements=true" rel="nofollow">USGS Gila river Below Coolidge Dam stream gage</a>.CAUTION RIVER FLOATERS: At high flows, 600 cfs or greater, the river may be at bankfull, and the current runs fast making maneuvering float craft extremely challenging and difficult or impossible to avoid navigation hazards. Hazards that may be encountered include tight river turns, restricted sight distance, debris deposits, tree branches overhanging the stream, fallen trees across the channel, dense vegetation along the riverbanks, and steep terrain. Other hazards include a fence across the river upstream between the Christmas and Shores sites.<h2>Prohibited Activities</h2>Target shooting and fireworks are not allowed. Vehicles must be kept on the designated roads and parking areas.The Gila River crosses private and Arizona State Trust land. Please respect private property rights by not stopping on private land without permission and obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department for use of State Trust lands. A valid Arizona Game and Fish Department license is required for hunting or fishing.<h2>Traveler Services</h2>Lodging, food, fuel and other traveler services are available in nearby towns of Winkelman, Kearny, Superior, Mammoth, and Globe. The nearest medical facilities are in Globe at the Cobre Valley Community Hospital, and in Oro Valley at the Oro Valley Hospital.The Town of Winkelman operates a river park with facilities for motor home and RV camping, water, toilets available for public use. The River Park provides a take out for floating from the Shores recreation site.

The Shores and Christmas recreation sites are available at no cost on a first
come, first served basis.

A permit is not required for private, non-commercial use of the sites. Use of
public lands in connection with commercial recreational use requires a BLM
Special Recreation Permit.

Gila River Recreation Area

The 8,760-acre Needle's Eye Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of
Land Management.

In 1990, the Needle's Eye Wilderness became part of the now over 109-million-
acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act
of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude.

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.

Obtain a recreation permit from the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe before
crossing Reservation lands. Ask for permission to cross State Trust lands and
private lands in advance.

When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and
embrace the seven Leave No Trace principles to help preserve its natural
beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that
applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert
may differ from what's best in mountainous terrain.

The 8,760-acre Needle's Eye Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Needle's Eye Wilderness became part of the now over 109-million-acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.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.Obtain a recreation permit from the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe before crossing Reservation lands. Ask for permission to cross State Trust lands and private lands in advance.When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and embrace the seven <a href="/node/16816" title="Outdoor Ethics" rel="nofollow">Leave No Trace</a> principles to help preserve its natural beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert may differ from what's best in mountainous terrain.

The Needle's Eye Wilderness is 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 Tucson Field Office for more
information about special recreation permits.

Needle's Eye Wilderness

The Arizona National Scenic Trail spans over 800 miles from Mexico to Utah.
This multi-use non-motorized, long-distance trail highlights Arizona’s
topographic, biologic, historic, and cultural diversity. Congress designated
it in 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Lands Bill.

The trail features historic sites, natural landmarks, geologic wonders, and
remote wilderness. Opportunities include dispersed camping, hiking, wildlife
viewing, photography, mountain biking (outside wilderness, national parks, or
other specially managed areas), horseback riding and backpacking.

The BLM manages Passages 15, 16, and 43. These passages are some of the driest
on the trail. Whether fall or spring presents better water options depends on
the strength of and the balance between winter snowfall and summer monsoons.
The Arizona Trail Association has a database of water sources.

The trail does not pass through any designated wilderness on these passages,
but it does graze the boundary of the White Canyon Wilderness on the north
portion of passage 16. Mountain bikers should be careful not to enter the
designated wilderness at this location. Other sections of the trail do pass
through parks and designated wilderness where bicycling is prohibited.

**Southern Arizona** : The Tucson Field Office (TFO) administers 34 miles of
trail through two passages, Passage 15 (Tortilla Mountains) and Passage 16
(Gila River Canyons). Passage 15 parallels and then crosses the Tortilla
Mountains and Ripsey Wash to reach the Gila River. Passage 16 parallels the
Gila River, crosses Walnut Canyon’s outlet, turns north at the trail’s lowest
point, and winds through canyons to end at the Tonto National Forest boundary.

**Northern Arizona** :****Passage 43 (Buckskin Mountain)**** runs through land
administered by the Arizona Strip Field Office (ASFO). The northern terminus
begins at the Utah/Arizona Stateline Campground in Coyote Valley. The passage
here ascends the northern end of the Kaibab Plateau through North Larkum
Canyon and offers views of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and portions
of the east unit of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the
Grand Canyon National Monument. The trail then passes through the northern
plateau’s pinyon-juniper woodland to reach the Kaibab National Forest’s
boundary at the junction with Passage 42 just south of the BLM 1025 road, also
known as the Winter Road. The Northbound route starts at the Kaibab National
Forest boundary and works north through the pinyon-juniper woodland of the
northern Kaibab Plateau and winds around Larkum Canyon offering views of the
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni and Vermilion Cliffs national monuments before
descending North Larkum Canyon into Coyote Valley. The trail reaches the
northern terminus at Stateline Campground.

In wet years, the spring bloom on Passage 43 can be significant among both
wildflowers and cacti. Fall temperatures can present good hiking opportunities
as well, and adjacent U.S. Forest Service-managed passages to the south have
excellent fall foliage. Water sources are extremely limited.

There is no direct road access to the southern end of Passage 43, but 1-2
miles north the trail crosses BLM 1025 road, the Winter Road, which serves as
the primary access for the southern end of the passage. The BLM 1025 road is
not regularly maintained but is generally accessible by four and all-wheel
drive vehicles with good clearance. Summer thunderstorms and winter snow/rain
can make access impassable.

## Hours and Seasons

Fall and spring provide the best opportunities to hike the trail. Winter is
also a good option on the southern passages managed by TFO, but the potential
for colder temperatures and heavy snow on the Kaibab Plateau presents
challenges at this time of year for Passage 43. Of the passages north of Grand
Canyon, Passage 43 is typically the least affected by these conditions,
however, so a section or day hike alone may be possible with good timing,
planning and preparation.

The Arizona National Scenic Trail spans over 800 miles from Mexico to Utah. This multi-use non-motorized, long-distance trail highlights Arizona’s topographic, biologic, historic, and cultural diversity. Congress designated it in 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Lands Bill.The trail features historic sites, natural landmarks, geologic wonders, and remote wilderness. Opportunities include dispersed camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, mountain biking (outside wilderness, national parks, or other specially managed areas), horseback riding and backpacking.The BLM manages Passages 15, 16, and 43. These passages are some of the driest on the trail. Whether fall or spring presents better water options depends on the strength of and the balance between winter snowfall and summer monsoons. The Arizona Trail Association has a database of water sources.The trail does not pass through any designated wilderness on these passages, but it does graze the boundary of the White Canyon Wilderness on the north portion of passage 16. Mountain bikers should be careful not to enter the designated wilderness at this location. Other sections of the trail do pass through parks and designated wilderness where bicycling is prohibited.Southern Arizona: The Tucson Field Office (TFO) administers 34 miles of trail through two passages, Passage 15 (Tortilla Mountains) and Passage 16 (Gila River Canyons). Passage 15 parallels and then crosses the Tortilla Mountains and Ripsey Wash to reach the Gila River. Passage 16 parallels the Gila River, crosses Walnut Canyon’s outlet, turns north at the trail’s lowest point, and winds through canyons to end at the Tonto National Forest boundary.Northern Arizona: <a href="https://aztrail.org/explore/passages/passage-43-buckskin-mountain/" rel="nofollow">Passage 43 (Buckskin Mountain)</a> runs through land administered by the Arizona Strip Field Office (ASFO). The northern terminus begins at the Utah/Arizona <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/stateline-campground" rel="nofollow">Stateline Campground</a> in Coyote Valley. The <a href="https://aztrailmedia.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/access-map-passage-43-buckskin-mountain.pdf" rel="nofollow">passage here ascends the northern end of the Kaibab Plateau</a> through North Larkum Canyon and offers views of the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/arizona/vermilion-cliffs" rel="nofollow">Vermilion Cliffs National Monument</a> and portions of the east unit of the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/arizona/ancestral-footprints" rel="nofollow">Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument</a>. The trail then passes through the northern plateau’s pinyon-juniper woodland to reach the Kaibab National Forest’s boundary at the junction with Passage 42 just south of the BLM 1025 road, also known as the Winter Road. The Northbound route starts at the Kaibab National Forest boundary and works north through the pinyon-juniper woodland of the northern Kaibab Plateau and winds around Larkum Canyon offering views of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni and Vermilion Cliffs national monuments before descending North Larkum Canyon into Coyote Valley. The trail reaches the northern terminus at Stateline Campground.In wet years, the spring bloom on Passage 43 can be significant among both wildflowers and cacti. Fall temperatures can present good hiking opportunities as well, and adjacent U.S. Forest Service-managed passages to the south have excellent fall foliage. Water sources are extremely limited.There is no direct road access to the southern end of Passage 43, but 1-2 miles north the trail crosses BLM 1025 road, the Winter Road, which serves as the primary access for the southern end of the passage. The BLM 1025 road is not regularly maintained but is generally accessible by four and all-wheel drive vehicles with good clearance. Summer thunderstorms and winter snow/rain can make access impassable.<h2>Hours and Seasons</h2>Fall and spring provide the best opportunities to hike the trail. Winter is also a good option on the southern passages managed by TFO, but the potential for colder temperatures and heavy snow on the Kaibab Plateau presents challenges at this time of year for Passage 43. Of the passages north of Grand Canyon, Passage 43 is typically the least affected by these conditions, however, so a section or day hike alone may be possible with good timing, planning and preparation.

No fees or permits apply to individual use of the trail. However, commercial,
competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation
permit.

Arizona National Scenic Trail

The 5,790-acre White Canyon Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of
Land Management. In 1990, the White Canyon Wilderness became part of the
National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of
1964.

In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. 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 and drones. Contact the agency for more information about
regulations.

High-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

The 5,790-acre White Canyon Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the White Canyon Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964.In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. 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 and drones. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.High-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area.
It is free. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events
require a special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office
for more information about special recreation permits.

Homestead Climbing Area

Safety Tips

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Gila River Recreation Area

Needle's Eye Wilderness

Arizona National Scenic Trail

White Canyon Wilderness