Hiking - Wickenburg

Town of Wickenburg
Town Hall
Wickenburg Y
155 N. Tegner Street, Ste. A
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Y
Website:
Trails Map
www.ci.wickenburg.az.us/
Wickenburg Trails Planning: A
Work in Progress
What You Need to Know about Trails on
Federal Land
For decades, washes and an informal trail system have been
used in the Wickenburg area. Although these trails may
continue to be used subject to the landowners’ approval, the
Town is moving towards acquisition of trail routes to ensure
that the public has permanent access to trails throughout
the area. The maps show trails and roads that are existing
and open to the public as well as trails that are planned –
which means that the Town plans to pursue ownership of
the trail. As funds are available and opportunities arise to
obtain additional trail corridors, the Town will be working
towards expanding the formal trail network.
Areas of the map in yellow are federal lands that are administered by the BLM.
The public has access to BLM-managed lands for recreation, although some
uses may require a permit.
Areas of the map in blue are Arizona Trust Land, which is managed by the
Arizona State Land Department. Unless a trail crossing Arizona Trust Land is
shown on an official map or is signed (indicating the trail is authorized), one of
the following are required to access these areas:
n Arizona State Land Department Recreation Permit
n OHV’s must meet all state requirements, display an OHV decal, and use only
designated or open existing roads and trails.
n Arizona Game and Fish Hunting or Fishing Permit (and actively pursuing
game or fish, in-season)
The planned trails shown on the map are categorized by the type of use
permissible on each trail or road. Visitors should stay on roads and trails on
federal lands. Information is located at kiosks at the Vulture Peak Trailhead off
Vulture Mine Road and at Sophie’s Flat (Blue Tank Staging Area) on Blue Tank Road off Constellation Road.
Camping on Federal land
Dispersed camping on BLM-administered public lands is permitted unless otherwise specifically designated as
closed or restricted for resource protection or public safety purposes. A 14-day length of stay camping limit is the
policy for all public lands in the planning area, unless otherwise specifically designated.
For more information on hunting and fishing in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov.
For more information on BLM public lands, visit http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation.html.
Wickenburg: At the Center of a
Wealth of Recreational Opportunities
The Wickenburg Trail System: Connections Between Downtown Wickenburg
and Major Regional Recreation Destinations
The Town of Wickenburg is situated in an area with extensive trail systems and recreational
opportunities for hikers, equestrians, OHV users and bicyclists.
To go to Vulture Mountains Recreation Area:
To go to Hassayampa River Preserve
n Trailhead at the end of Mariposa Drive (“C” on map)
n Kerkes Staging Area (“A” on map) and south along
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
F Ra
Local Road
Sand Mill
Flores
Constellation
River \ Wash
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
ad
Ro
So
ls
W
as
h
Matthie
Coffinger Park
Borrow Pit Area
C
D
ste
n
o
io n
t
a
ll
Blue
Tank
Rd
.
Key Trail Connections
Access to Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
A = Kerkes Site
B = Borrow Pit Area
C = Mariposa Dr./Turtleback Mountain
D = Constellation Park Campground
E = Coffinger Park
F = Steward Trailhead
Ro
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Vulture
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Recreation Area
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Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
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Morristown
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SF
SF
BN
C Maguire Park
BN
Vulture
Peak
Boetto Park
Constellation Park
ad
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Forepaugh
Sunset Park
Stone Park
bi
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Proposed Recreation Node
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A
ry Wa
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V
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Mariposa Dr.
NOTE: Dashed lines indicate easements to be acquired.
Ceme
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Matthie
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Bike Lane/Multi-use Path
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Yavapai County
d Maricopa County
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Access to Box Canyon
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To
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Ar rs O
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Access to BLM Trail Systems
ki
ng
Sophie's Flat
Buckshot
Mine
Sophie's
Flat
B
Ha
rtm
an
na
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
Wickenburg
Municipal Airport
Hassayampa River
Preserve
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Blu
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Wa
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Railroad
See Map
at Right
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State Highway
Box Canyon
ornia
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General Reference Features
Octave
alif
and C
Private
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ash
Stanton
Congress Junction
State Trust*
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
Ma
r
To
Box Canyon
mi
Bureau of Land
Management
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Maricopa Regional
BLM Designated Trails (Draft)
Trail System
Open to All Uses
Proposed County Activity
Non-Motorized Use Only
Node/Trailhead
BLM Future Trails (Draft)
Proposed BLM
Open to All Uses
Staging Areas
Vehicles 60" or Less
Town Parks and Open Space
Vehicles 24" or Less and
Town Park
Non-Motorized
Only
Arizon
a and CalifoUse
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Non-Motorized Use Only lroad
Surface Management
F Ra
Trails and Trailheads
via trail system
n Sophie’s Flat Trail System: Take East Wickenburg Way (US 60) to El Recreo Drive to Constellation Road to Blue Tank Road to reach trailhead/Blue tank staging area
n Hassayampa River Preserve: Take East Wickenburg Way (US 60) to reach the preserve
n Boulders OHV Staging Area: Take East Wickenburg Way (US 60) to State Route 74 to access road on the
north between mile posts 11 and 12
Scenic
Loop Road
BN S
LEGEND
n Vulture Mountains Recreation Area: Take West Wickenburg Way (US 60) to Vulture Mine Road or access
Rin
c on
n Box Canyon Area: Take State Route 93 to Scenic Loop Road to BLM land
Congress
Hassayampa River
n Stewart Trailhead (“F” on map) via Vulture Peak Road
Nearby destinations and how to get there from downtown Wickenburg:
Ca
la
Photos courtesy of Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
For more information on recreation use of Arizona Trust Land, visit
http://www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/recreation_permit.htm.
M
oc
The BLM and Maricopa County are also developing plans for
trails and recreation facilities in the area. Draft or proposed
features on these maps may be subject to change.
What You Need to Know about Entering
State Trust Land
Vulture Peak Road
Trails and Trailheads
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Local Road
Railroad
0
2
4
6
Miles
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2010
Trails: Maricopa County 2011, BLM 2011,
Town of Wickenburg 2003
Critical Corridors: Wickenburg Conservation
Foundation 2009
8
10
ate W
ash
County Boundary
Town Park
sh
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Syndi
c
Proposed BLM Staging Areas
General Reference Features
Hassayampa River Preserve
h
Proposed County Activity
Node/Trailhead
*If not signed as open to public,
State Land recreation permit
required to cross.
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
as
xW
Bo
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 60" or Less
Vehicles 24" or Less and
Non-Motorized Use Only
Non-Motorized Use Only
Maricopa Regional Trail System
Bike Lane/Multi-use Path
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
e Wa
BLM Future Trails Draft
F
Surface Management
Jimm
i
BLM Designated Trails Draft
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 24" or Less
Vehicles 60" or Less
Non-Motorized Use Only
0
1
Miles
Vulture
Peak
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011
Trails: Maricopa County 2011, BLM 2011,
Town of Wickenburg 2003
2
Code of the West
Wickenburg History
to back up.)
n Since I’m on foot and can stop the quickest, for safety’s sake n Take a cell phone and extra battery, but don’t rely on
(Casual, unofficial trails make wayfinding confusing, and causes
additional erosion.)
it for your safety. There are areas without cell reception.
n Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
and signs.
nI will pack out what I pack in.
nI won’t use the trail when it is wet (and I’m leaving depressions which trap even more water).
The Wickenburg Trail System: Connections Between Downtown
Wickenburg and Major Regional Recreation Destinations
To
Box Canyon
ez
W
as
h
ad
tin
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
Borrow Pit Area
Matthie
Coffinger Park
Bike Lane/Multi-use Path
enburg
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i
W
W.
Proposed Recreation Node
h
Sunset Park
W
as
Ro
e
ry Wa
s
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in
M
Ceme
te
Vu
l
tu
r
e
h
W
as
E
in
g
Fl
y
Ho
lly
W
as
h
Fl
ca
Yu
c
s Wash
Twin Pea
k
ty W
ash
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Town of
Wickenburg
Vulture Peak Road
ate W
ash
Syndi
c
Jimm
i
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sh
F
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Bo
155 North Tegner Street
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Parks and Recreation:
928-684-2761
Community Development:
928-668-0512
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Was
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Tur
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Planned
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LEGEND
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* If a trail is not signed as open to public, a State Land recreation permit is required to cross.
SF
Stone Park
C Maguire Park
BN
at
Boetto Park
Boetto Park
Constellation Park
ad
W
as
h
A = Kerkes Site
B = Borrow Pit Area
C = Mariposa Dr./Turtleback Mountain
D = Constellation Park Campground
E = Coffinger Park
F = Steward Trailhead
Ha
rtm
an
A
A
Wy.
Mariposa Dr.
NOTE: Dashed lines indicate easements to be acquired.
Stone Park
W
as
h
Coffinger Park (E) and
Community Center
E
Access to Box Canyon
y.
W
rg
bu
en
ver
ick
a Ri
W sayam p
E. Has
Access to BLM Trail Systems
.
t.
Key Trail Connections
C
D
ste
n
o
io n
t
a
ll
Rd
bi
rd
Railroad
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
So
ls
W
as
h
S
ner
Teg
Local Road
B
mi
State Highway
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Ca
la
U.S. Highway
Constellation Park (D) *
Existing
Blue
Tank
ki
ng
County Boundary
Wickenburg
Municipal Airport
Access to Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
Maguire Park
Sophie's
Flat
M
oc
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
River \ Wash
Sunset Park
sh
Wa
k
Tan
General Reference Features
Borrow Pits (B)
Stewart Trailhead (F) *
e
Blu
Ro
Interpretive Sign
Playground
Picnic Area
Drinking Water
Restrooms
ilw a y
Ma
r
Proposed BLM
Staging Areas
Town Parks and Open Space
Town Park
Kerkes Site (A)
Mariposa Drive (C) *
Maricopa Regional
Trail System
Proposed County Activity
Node/Trailhead
F Ra
Trails and Trailheads
BLM Designated Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Non-Motorized Use Only
BLM Future Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 60" or Less
Vehicles 24" or Less and
Non-Motorized
Only
Arizon
a and CalifoUse
rnia R ai
Non-Motorized Use Only lroad
Scenic
Loop Road
BN S
LEGEND
Amenities Available
Rin
c on
Local Facilities and Amenities
in Wickenburg
n Take plenty of water and protection from the sun.
for racing.)
nI will leave gates as I find them, opened or closed, and respect all fences
I will be prepared to be the one to yield.
Safety on the Trail
nI will stay on established roads and trails and not cut across switchbacks.
pedestrians, bicycles, and OHVs.
For Hikers
nI will keep my transportation under control and my speed down. (If I want to race I will use an area set aside
For more information on Wickenburg or tours of the area, contact the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce at
1-800-942-5242 or visit www.wickenburgchamber.com.
Campground
horse is becoming nervous or agitated, I will ask the horseback rider what I should do.
nI will keep to the right around corners and other blind spots, and when passing or being passed.
YIELD
TO
n I will ride a horse that is trail wise and accustomed to nWhen approaching others from behind, I will announce my presence so as not to startle them.
The long-standing equestrian tradition featured throughout Wickenburg’s history began with local farmers
providing mounts and work horses for mining. Horse-breeding thrived during the rise of guest ranches and
continues in the present with ranches specializing in varieties ranging from thoroughbred to rodeo horses.
Guest ranching in the Wickenburg area began with the attraction of “dudes” to the western ranching experience
at Remuda Ranch, in 1924. The Great Depression and prohibition caused wealthy Easterners to seek the
attraction of a cowboy retreat, recognizing Wickenburg as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the World”. The “Six
Ranch Association” flourished during the 1930s. By the 1950s, dude ranches were well established in the area.
Mountain Bike Trail
For Equestrians
impression on the other types of users.)
nI will use only trails that are designated for my type of use.
Ranching
Horse Trail
TRAIL COURTESY
nWhen travelling downhill, I will yield to uphill travelers. (For vehicles, it is safer for the vehicle pointing downhill
The Town of Wickenburg began as a result of California miners’ quest for mineralized rock in uncharted
western New Mexico -- that was eventually to become the Arizona Territory. The Vulture Mine was the lode of
mineralized gold ore they were seeking. Henry Wickenburg and four partners staked the original claim to the
Vulture Mine, registering it November 24, 1863. The Vulture Mining Company (formed in 1866) employed 200
mine workers and business people by 1867. A 20-stamp mill crushed an average of 40 tons of ore each day.
With a population of 250 in 1870, the Town was flourishing with a lively mercantile district. With the closing of
the Vulture Mine in the 1940’s, over 100 houses were left vacant.
Electrical Hookup
(particulate matter) nonattainment area.
n I will use trails that are wide enough for my vehicle.
nI will yield to horses by moving to the downhill side or the most open and safest side of the trail. If I see that the
Gold Mining
Trailer Sanitary Station
nI will respect the rights of all trail users to enjoy the outdoors by being polite. (This also leaves a favorable
distance beyond. If I see that the horse is becoming nervous or agitated,
I will also take off my helmet and speak in a soft voice to let the horse
know I’m a human.
n I will avoid creating dust, especially when others are near or I’m in a PM
For All Trail Users
The Town of Wickenburg was founded by miners, nurtured by ranchers, farmers and sustained by tourism and an
attractive living environment.
OHV Trail
The Trail Code of Courtesy and Ethics
An appreciation of its roots guided Wickenburg’s development. The terrain
and relatively unspoiled scenic surroundings offer an environment where
it is easy to visualize the past -- exploration, mining, cowboys and ranching. Preserving history is a value
shared by Wickenburg residents. The Town’s long heritage is reflected in the Downtown core where visitors
are encouraged to take walks along historic streets to shop, to participate in civic events and to visualize the
community’s exciting past.
Hiking Trail
n I will yield to horses and turn off the engine until they are at a safe Out here on the Sonoran high desert, trails are a part of our western character. Many of us
own and use more than one way to get out and enjoy the scenery, and we show our respect to
all other trail users.
Established in 1863, the Town of Wickenburg has been the center of the
northwest Maricopa/southern Yavapai region for more than 148 years. By
a vote of the people on June 19, 1909, Wickenburg became an officially
incorporated Arizona Territory town, more than two years before Arizona
became a State.
Location
For OHVers (Including Off Highway Motorcycles)
0
1
Miles
Vulture
Peak
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011
Trails: Maricopa County 2011, BLM 2011,
Town of Wickenburg 2003
Imagery: NAIP 2010
2