Eagletail Mountains Wilderness
RV Guide
Introduction
Eagletail Mountains Wilderness is comprised of nearly 101,000 acres for the public to enjoy. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and has been since 1990. It is a great mix of mountains, deserts, and greenery. People who visit the area can enjoy a variety of entertaining activities. Some of the more challenging activities are rock climbing, mountain biking, and enjoying a vigorous hike.
There are also plenty of activities for people who are looking to relax. You can enjoy a nice picnic surrounded by the mountains, enjoy viewing the wildlife and nature all around you with a pair of binoculars, or go stargazing after sundown. Some of the wildlife in the area are foxes, black bears, tarantulas, scorpions, a variety of birds, large rabbits, and more.
For people who are interested in visiting Eagletail Mountains Wilderness, the Bureau of Land Management highly encourages them to bring plenty of water since there isn't much access to it when you arrive. There are plenty of amazing campgrounds nearby that allow tent and RV campers to enjoy all year round.
RV Rentals in Eagletail Mountains Wilderness
Transportation
Driving
Eagletail Mountains Wilderness is easy to access for the majority of the visitors. It is located just 75 miles west of Phoenix. You can get there by taking interstate 10. Many routes will lead you to YEO 13, which is near the wilderness designation sign. Once you see this, take a left and you have reached Eagletail Mountains Wilderness.
The roads leading up to the wilderness area are paved and well-maintained. Because Arizona is mostly desert, you won't have to worry about driving through snow or excessive rainfall. When you arrive at Eagletail Mountain Wilderness The roads may not be as pleasant to drive on for larger vehicles such as camper vans and RVs.
There is a wide range of road conditions which you may want to use four-wheel drive for. This is especially true if you're trying to access the wilderness boundary. Once you've reached Eagletail, there are a few different methods of transportation. The majority of people travel by foot or by mountain bike. There are also designated trails for off-highway vehicles.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Eagletail Mountains Wilderness
Campsites in Eagletail Mountains Wilderness
First-come first-served
Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping
Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping is a free campground that allows for tent and RV camping. There is a maximum stay of 14 days and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The longest your RV or trailer can be is 40 feet.
This is considered a dry campsite, so make sure to bring your own water. As for activities, there isn't too much to do. Of course, you can hike around the land and observe the wildlife around the campground. The camping is fairly disbursed, which allows for peaceful and secluded relaxation.
When you camp here, you will see amazing views of the mountains that are even more jaw-dropping during sunrise and sunset. The road leading to this campground is gravel yet still well-maintained. There are fire pits made out of large rocks for your convenience, but no bathrooms or modern amenities. This is a great place to stay while you're visiting the Eagletail Mountains Wilderness.
Great BLM Staging Area And Camping
Great BLM Staging Area And Camping, also known as Boulders OHV Staging Area, is another great BLM campsite near Eagletail Mountains Wilderness. There you will find over 10 acres to camp within. There are vault toilets and an informational kiosk for your convenience. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Besides the vault toilets, there are no basic amenities.
This includes running water, fire rings, or dumping stations. Many people who camp here enjoy horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and of course, riding on off-highway vehicles. To the east of the campground, there is Lake Pleasant. There you will be able to take part in water activities during the warmer months.
You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the privacy of this campground that is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is important to note that the Great BLM Staging Area and Campground may be closed on high-pollution days. If there has been a pollution advisory issues to the public, expect this campground to be closed.
Dome Rock BLM Upper Campsite
This BLM campground is a beautiful spot to get some rest after a long day exploring Eagletail Mountains Wilderness. There are both tent camping and RV campsites available. Dome Rock BLM Upper Campsite allows campers to stay for a maximum of 14 days at a time. There is a maximum RV and trailer length of 42 feet allowed there.
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many campers enjoy taking a hike on the recreational trails around the campground. This is a great way to see the beautiful scenery near the Eagletail Mountains Wilderness. It is important to note that this campground is considered dry camping, so packing your own water is crucial.
A great thing about Dome Rock is that even when there are several other campers there, you'll never feel crowded and there is almost always a spot available. Lastly, be sure to have a BLM permit on your RV, vehicle or trailer when camping there.
Seasonal activities in Eagletail Mountains Wilderness
In-Season
Biking
Biking is a great activity to get your heart rate up when you're visiting Eagletail Mountains Wilderness during peak season. Mountain bikers can enjoy the rugged terrain throughout the area. There are a handful of trails adjacent to EMW or you can free-ride around on the public property.
There are also areas that people can enjoy a casual bike ride as well. Because there are a lot of rocks and rough terrain in the area, it is highly advised to be wearing the proper safety gear such as a bike helmet.
Climbing
Another popular physical activity that many people enjoy at Eagletail Mountains Wilderness is rock climbing! There are plenty of areas to enjoy a climb in the area, whether you're a rock-climbing expert or a beginner.
You will need to bring all of your own climbing equipment and bring plenty of water. Also, you may want to look at the sun map before heading out for a climb. This will tell you where you can expect the sun to be at each hour so that you're not climbing in the dark.
Picnicking
Picnicking is something the entire family can enjoy. Whether you need to fuel up before a long hike or you're wanting to have a delicious breakfast while watching the sunrise over the mountains, you can do so at Eagletail Mountains Wilderness.
There are no picnic tables available, meaning you can open the hatchback and enjoy a meal in your vehicle or even place a blanket on the ground. EMW is a No Trace Left Behind park, please make sure you clean up after yourself to help maintain the area.
Off-Season
Scenic Driving
There are a handful of off-highway vehicle trails around the Eagletail Mountains Wilderness. This can be a fun activity and a great way to enjoy the scenery. You will be able to see towering mountains, lush greenery, and unique cacti you may not see in many other places.
This is also a relaxing activity if you're not looking for a workout or anything vigorous. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to view flowers that grow in just about every color.
Wildlife Viewing
Another fun and relaxing activity is to watch all of the wildlife around the Eagletail Mountains Wilderness. To increase the animals you'll be able to see there, make sure to pack your RV with a pair of binoculars. Some of the creatures you may be able to see are tarantulas, Arizona bark scorpions, desert bighorn sheep, Gila monster, and black-tailed jackrabbits. In the evening hours, you are more likely to see an elf owl or coyotes.
Hunting
In Arizona, hunting is allowed all year as long as you have the proper permits and licenses. You can get these online before you head out the door to Eagletail Mountains Wilderness. There are some areas where hunting is restricted, which is why it's important to check where it's allowed while planning your visit.
There are both big and small game animals around the area. Some of the more commonly seen animals are deer, buffalo, black bears, antelope elk, turkeys, and bighorn sheep.
