| Harquahala means "running water high up" in the language of one early native tribe. This elevated region, set on one of western Arizona's largest desert ranges, was so named for its numerous perennial seeps and springs. The Harquahalas reach a high point on the western side on Harquahala Peak at 5,691 feet.From the peak the panorama includes surrounding desert and mountains up to 100 miles away. Natural mountain springs support a rare habitat among Sonoran Desert mountains, a screened interior canyon system with exceptional natural diversity. Rare cacti live here among relic "islands" of chaparral and desert grasslands. Here visitors will find high peaks and foothills, deep rocky canyons and valleys, and ridges dropping to bajadas.Sunset Canyon falls 1,600 feet from the steep east rim of the mountains. Brown's Canyon, which stretches for nine miles across the northeastern portion, houses the endangered desert tortoise and is seldom visited. This area also sustains the largest mule deer herd in western Arizona, a sizable raptor population, and one of the few increasing desert bighorn sheep herds.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, desert tortoise, and mule deer populations.Hikers, backpackers, wildlife observers and photographers will find many recreation opportunities here. Rugged topography and the area's sheltered Brown's Canyon interior drainage system furnish the solitude and secluded experience treasured by many wilderness visitors. |
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| | | Facilities: Unknown Best Time To Visit: Unknown Fees: Unknown Accessibility: Unknown Rules: 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. Directions: The 22,880-acre Harquahala Mountains Wilderness lies in Maricopa and La Paz counties, 80 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. High-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed to travel to the boundary of the wilderness. Paved State Route 60 provides access to jeep trails extending to the wilderness area's north boundary. The paved Eagle Eye Road provides access to numerous jeep trails along the area's southern side. Harquahala Peak can be reached by a four-wheel drive road, but erosion and steep grades will be encountered. Only experienced four-wheel drivers should attempt this road.Map: Click here for a map to Harquahala Mountains Wilderness Reservations: Unknown | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Bureau of Land Management- Phoenix Field Office | | 2015 West Deer Valley Road | | Phoenix, Arizona 85027 |
| | | Phone | | General: (623) 580-5500 | |
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