Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and
services at this LTVA.

The area in and around Pilot Knob is rich in both human and natural history.
At one time, Patton's troops trained here in preparation for desert fighting
in World War II. A State of California Historic Marker lies on the site of
Patton's camp. The marker is located just north of Interstate 8 on Sidewinder
Road. The Fort Yuma Indian Reservation borders public lands near Pilot Knob.
Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and
recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs),
where visitors can camp for as long as seven months. Fee season September
15-April 15 $180, $80 4-week stay, $40 2-week stay; 14 day camping free April
16-September 14

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates#LTVA" rel="nofollow">
Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and services at this LTVA.</a>
The area in and around Pilot Knob is rich in both human and natural history. At one time, Patton's troops trained here in preparation for desert fighting in World War II. A State of California Historic Marker lies on the site of Patton's camp. The marker is located just north of Interstate 8 on Sidewinder Road. The Fort Yuma Indian Reservation borders public lands near Pilot Knob. Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors can camp for as long as seven months. Fee season September 15-April 15 $180, $80 4-week stay, $40 2-week stay; 14 day camping free April 16-September 14

Bird's eye view of the park

Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area

Tumco is an abandoned gold mining town and is also one of the earliest gold
mining areas in California. It has a history spanning some 300 years, with
several periods of boom and bust. Originally named Hedges, the town was
completely abandoned in 1905, victim to speculative over-expansion and
increasing debt. Renamed Tumco in 1910 -- after The United Mines Company --
another attempt to go after the gold proved just as costly.

By 1911, the diminishing prospects of the mines forced the miners and their
families to return to Yuma, signaling the end of Hedges/Tumco as a community.
Gold was first discovered by Spanish colonists as they moved northward from
Sonora, Mexico. According to legend, two young boys came into their camp one
evening with their shirts filled with gold ore. These muchachos cargados
(loaded boys) were the namesake for the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, where the
Tumco deposits occur. Following the first discovery of gold, numerous small
mines were operated by Mexican settlers for many years.

In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed the Yuma to Los Angeles line
of its transcontinental route. With the presence of the mountains, a gold rush
into the area began. This initial rush to stake mining claims soon gave way to
mining companies that moved into the area, purchased claims and developed the
mines on a large scale. A 12 mile wood pipeline pumped over 100,000 gallons of
water from the Colorado River per day, and the railroad carried mine timbers
from northern Arizona for use in the expansive underground workings.
Ultimately, over 200,000 ounces of gold was taken from the mines in the area.
Tumco was a typical mining town of its day.

Historical accounts talk of rich eastern investors, unscrupulous charlatans
and colorful characters in the raucous townsite and the mining boom ultimately
leading to financial ruin. Although little can be seen of Tumco, during the
boom time of the 1890's, it supported a population of at least 500 people and
the 40 and 100 stamp mills of the mine produced $1,000 per day in gold.

Tumco is an abandoned gold mining town and is also one of the earliest gold mining areas in California. It has a history spanning some 300 years, with several periods of boom and bust. Originally named Hedges, the town was completely abandoned in 1905, victim to speculative over-expansion and increasing debt. Renamed Tumco in 1910 -- after The United Mines Company -- another attempt to go after the gold proved just as costly.

By 1911, the diminishing prospects of the mines forced the miners and their families to return to Yuma, signaling the end of Hedges/Tumco as a community. Gold was first discovered by Spanish colonists as they moved northward from Sonora, Mexico. According to legend, two young boys came into their camp one evening with their shirts filled with gold ore. These muchachos cargados (loaded boys) were the namesake for the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, where the Tumco deposits occur. Following the first discovery of gold, numerous small mines were operated by Mexican settlers for many years.



In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed the Yuma to Los Angeles line of its transcontinental route. With the presence of the mountains, a gold rush into the area began. This initial rush to stake mining claims soon gave way to mining companies that moved into the area, purchased claims and developed the mines on a large scale. A 12 mile wood pipeline pumped over 100,000 gallons of water from the Colorado River per day, and the railroad carried mine timbers from northern Arizona for use in the expansive underground workings. Ultimately, over 200,000 ounces of gold was taken from the mines in the area. Tumco was a typical mining town of its day.

Historical accounts talk of rich eastern investors, unscrupulous charlatans and colorful characters in the raucous townsite and the mining boom ultimately leading to financial ruin. Although little can be seen of Tumco, during the boom time of the 1890's, it supported a population of at least 500 people and the 40 and 100 stamp mills of the mine produced $1,000 per day in gold.

Tumco Historic Mine

Betty's Kitchen is a wildlife interpretive area along the Colorado River just
upstream of Laguna Dam. Heavy vegetation and access to water attracts herons,
songbirds, waterfowl, and egrets.

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/bettys-kitchen-watchable-wildlife-viewing-area-and-national-recreation-trail" rel="nofollow">Betty's Kitchen</a> is a wildlife interpretive area along the Colorado River just upstream of Laguna Dam. Heavy vegetation and access to water attracts herons, songbirds, waterfowl, and egrets.

Bill Williams River Locality

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 for the protection of
desert bighorn sheep and other native wildlife following a 1936 campaign by
the Arizona Boy Scouts.

  
Originally designated Kofa Game Range, the refuge was managed jointly by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management for decades.
In 1976, control of the refuge was awarded to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, and it was renamed Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge's name
was derived from an acronym for one of the area’s most notable mines, the King
of Arizona gold mine.

Kofa Wilderness

Designated in 1990

547,719 acres

The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System
"in order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding
settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas in
the United States, and its possession, leaving no lands designated for
preservation and protection in their natural condition..."

Congress designated 547,719 acres or over 80 percent of Kofa National Wildlife
Refuge as wilderness through the 1990 Arizona Desert Wilderness Act. Along
with the Kofa Wilderness, the New Water Mountains Wilderness was designated at
the same time on 24,600 acres on the north boundary of the Kofa Wilderness.

For more information about Kofa Wilderness please visit: wilderness.net

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 for the protection of desert bighorn sheep and other native wildlife following a 1936 campaign by the Arizona Boy Scouts.  Originally designated Kofa Game Range, the refuge was managed jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management for decades. In 1976, control of the refuge was awarded to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and it was renamed Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.  The refuge's name was derived from an acronym for one of the area’s most notable mines, the King of Arizona gold mine.  Kofa WildernessDesignated in 1990547,719 acresThe Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System "in order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas in the United States, and its possession, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition..."Congress designated 547,719 acres or over 80 percent of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness through the 1990 Arizona Desert Wilderness Act. Along with the Kofa Wilderness, the New Water Mountains Wilderness was designated at the same time on 24,600 acres on the north boundary of the Kofa Wilderness.For more information about Kofa Wilderness please visit: <a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=299" rel="nofollow">wilderness.net</a>

Sonoran pronghorn are extremely shy and easily spooked, making them a difficult species to study.  To learn more about this skittish species, wildlife biologists use wildlife cameras that allow them to monitor the population and learn more about their needs without disturbing them.

Pronghorn Antelope

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Bobcat

Kofa National WIldlife Refuge

American Kestrel

Desert Landscape

The Little Picacho Wilderness now contains a total of 38,214 acres and is
managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the
state of California. In 1994 the Little Picacho Wilderness became part of the
now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In
wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing
population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. 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.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
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, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The Little Picacho Wilderness now contains a total of 38,214 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Little Picacho Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. 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.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: 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, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Little Picacho Wilderness

The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes about 600 acres of water surface and
2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of vegetative and wildlife
species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges.
Numerous serpentine waterways connect to main lake body and make exploring by
boat a unique experience. This area is jointly managed by the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes about 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of vegetative and wildlife species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges. Numerous serpentine waterways connect to main lake body and make exploring by boat a unique experience. This area is jointly managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area lies in and adjacent to the floodplain of the
Colorado River between Laguna and Imperial Dams. Mittry Lake covers
approximately 750 acres, with much of the shoreline covered with cattails and
bullrush. Mittry Lake has recently undergone rehabilitation work including
marsh dredging, revegetation and fish habitat improvement, making it an ideal
location for small game hunting and sportfishing. Major species for small game
hunting include waterfowl, doves, quail, rabbit and raccoon. Major species of
fish in the lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish,
crappie, and bluegill. There are no camping facilities and the area is for day
use only. However there is a 3-lane boat launch ramp for motorized boating on
the lake. The area is also very popular for nature study and birdwatching.
More information.

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area lies in and adjacent to the floodplain of the Colorado River between <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=297" rel="nofollow">Laguna</a> and <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=150" rel="nofollow">Imperial Dams</a>. Mittry Lake covers approximately 750 acres, with much of the shoreline covered with cattails and bullrush. Mittry Lake has recently undergone rehabilitation work including marsh dredging, revegetation and fish habitat improvement, making it an ideal location for small game hunting and sportfishing. Major species for small game hunting include waterfowl, doves, quail, rabbit and raccoon. Major species of fish in the lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and bluegill. There are no camping facilities and the area is for day use only. However there is a 3-lane boat launch ramp for motorized boating on the lake. The area is also very popular for nature study and birdwatching. <a href="http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/watchable/mittry.html" rel="nofollow"> More information. </a>

Imperial Reservoir Area:  Mittry Lake Wildlife Area

The Picacho Peak Wilderness now contains a total of 8,858 acres and is managed
by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of
California. In 1994 the Picacho Peak Wilderness became part of the now over
109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you
can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities
for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing population, accompanied by
expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..."_ you play an important
role in helping to _"...secure for the American people of present and future
generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for
by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. 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.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
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, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The Picacho Peak Wilderness now contains a total of 8,858 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Picacho Peak Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. 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.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: 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, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Picacho Peak Wilderness

Day use parking and boat ramp on a water storage reservoir near Imperial Dam
in California. This site provides opportunities for picnics, swimming,
fishing, boating, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Wildlife species include
waterfowl, shore birds, coyotes, quail, and reptiles. The site also provides
access by boat to camping areas at Senator Wash North Shore and Senator Wash
South Shore. Use is limited to day use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are no
lifeguards at the swimming area. Other rules are posted or available from on-
site host. The site does not have boat access to the Colorado River. A valid
Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona.

## Draft Recreation Business Plan Fee Proposal

To continue providing a quality recreational experience on public lands, the
Bureau of Land Management has issued a draft business plan fee proposal for
this site, in addition to other BLM-managed recreation sites across Arizona.
The BLM wants to hear from you about these draft business plans. Visit the
Recreation Business Plan webpage or our announcement for more information
about how to share your input by October 21.

Day use parking and boat ramp on a water storage reservoir near Imperial Dam in California. This site provides opportunities for picnics, swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Wildlife species include waterfowl, shore birds, coyotes, quail, and reptiles. The site also provides access by boat to camping areas at Senator Wash North Shore and Senator Wash South Shore. Use is limited to day use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are no lifeguards at the swimming area. Other rules are posted or available from on-site host. The site does not have boat access to the Colorado River. A valid Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona.

<h2>Draft Recreation Business Plan Fee Proposal</h2>

To continue providing a quality recreational experience on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a draft business plan fee proposal for this site, in addition to other BLM-managed recreation sites across Arizona. The BLM wants to hear from you about these draft business plans. Visit the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans" rel="nofollow">Recreation Business Plan webpage</a> or <a href="https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-business-plans-modernize-management-arizona-recreation" rel="nofollow">our announcement</a> for more information about how to share your input by October 21.

Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area

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