Mount Logan Wilderness is a Bureau of Land Management property located in Arizona. The Wilderness area was designated in 1984 and contains 14 650 acres. The wilderness area is a “well kept secret”, as it is remote, off the beaten track, and does not appear on some maps. However, the surrounding region is packed with spectacular wilderness areas and parks, including the Mount Trumbull Wilderness, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Explore the area in an RV by checking out Arizona RV Rentals to see all the spectacular scenery the area has to offer.
Mount Logan, at 7966 feet in elevation, is a prominent feature in the wilderness area. The mountain was an active volcano until relatively recently, and evidence of past volcanic activity including cinder cones and lava flows can be seen in the region. Mount Trumbull is a steeper mountain located to the north. The general topography and terrain in the region is characterized by ponderosa pine forests at upper elevations, where basalt ledges protrude, with steep rocky slopes below, and pinon and juniper stands at lower elevations. Hells Hole is located on the western side of the wilderness area and is a large naturally formed amphitheater. A scenic overlook provides a fantastic perspective of the geological formation below and its colorful rocks.
The BLM public lands provide natural habitat for a variety of wildlife including small mammals and larger mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, porcupines, and spotted skunks. Birds in the area include raptors and wild turkeys. The area also provides recreational opportunities for backpackers, hunters, and hikers, and is seldom visited by humans, so the area maintains its untouched, pristine, natural feel, and wildlife is little disturbed in this area.
Visitors should be prepared for climate variations that occur due to the elevations in the wilderness region. Higher elevations get more rain and cooler temperatures, especially at night. Thunderstorms are common in the area, later in the day, during the summer months, so use caution when conducting backcountry activities in the BLM area. Higher elevations also see snowfall during the winter, although temperatures are relatively moderate, and usually sunny and clear.
Mount Logan Wilderness is surrounded by magnificent national monuments and parks including the Grand Canyon National Park which can be visited while in the area. Although excellent destinations are a short distance away, travel time may take longer than expected as roads have to wind around the geological features of the terrain and circuitous routes are common.
The Mount Logan Wilderness itself is a remote and rugged wilderness area about a 90-minute drive from the Tuweep Overlook of the Grand Canyon where a campground is located. Services and amenities are sparse in the region with the nearest significant services in St George Utah, Colorado City, Arizona and Fredonia, Arizona, which are all about a three to four-hour drive away. Cellular service is also unreliable in the area, so ensure you have accurate road maps available as you can not rely on GPS applications on cellular handheld devices.
Access to the Mount Logan Wilderness from Fredonia is via the Mount Trumbull Road from State Route 389. Just south of Mount Trumbull turn south on BLM Road 1044 to the Mount Logan Wilderness Boundary. Alternately, you can follow Quail Hill Road (BLM 1069) from St George to Mohave County Road 5 and then head east on BLM 1044.
During heavy rains, mudslides and washouts can make access roads impassable, and during the winter months, the area is inaccessible due to snowfall at higher elevations. Check out the Mount Logan Wilderness Area Plan Your Visit for road conditions and weather alerts prior to your trip. Travelers should be prepared for a remote wilderness experience and are advised to use four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance in the area, and bring spare tires in case of blowouts on rough access roads and natural terrain. You should also ensure your vehicle fluid levels are topped up and that your vehicle is maintained in excellent mechanical condition. Carry plenty of water, food, and extra clothing.
Tuweep campground is located at the north rim of the Grand Canyon, one mile north of the Tuweep Overlook. Access to the campground is via a naturally surfaced dirt road which is subject to weather conditions, including mudslides during heavy rains. Depending on road conditions, access by RVs and tow vehicles may be difficult. The campground does permit vehicles up to 22 feet in total length, including tow vehicles, so smaller RVs, trailers, and camper vans, that are appropriately equipped for the rough road can access the campground.
There are ten campsites at Tuweep: nine sites that accommodate two vehicles and six people, and one large group campsite that accommodates up to four vehicles and 11 people. Visitors require Backcountry Permits to use the campground. There are no open fires or charcoal barbecues permitted at the campground and campers must use camp stoves with gas or propane.
Picnic tables and compost toilets are situated on-site, but there is no water supply. Stays are limited to seven nights, and there are no trash disposal facilities, so all trash must be packed out. Campers will enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the campground or from the nearby Tuweep Overlook, hiking trails from the site, and excellent night sky viewing.
Hiking in the Mount Logan Wilderness region is a real treat for those seeking a remote experience with plenty of solitude and little human activity. This is a rugged and remote natural area with no cellular services, so hikers should take accurate topographic maps, compasses, and GPS satellite aided devices, and inform someone of their plans, intended route, and expected time of return. Take plenty of water for your trip; a minimum of 1 gallon, per person, per day is required.
There is a parcel of private land at Big Spring and hikers on public lands should be respectful and not cross the private lands without permission. Although inaccessible in winter, the area may be best hiked in the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and insect activity and ticks are less prevalent.
The Mount Logan Wilderness provides excellent wildlife habitat for a variety of critters you may encounter while trekking in the region. Small mammals such as squirrels and rodents abound, and larger mammals such as mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, skunks, and porcupines make their home here.
You can also spot hawks, owls, and eagles that reside at higher elevations, and wild turkeys in the forested areas. Various insects and reptiles are also present in the wilderness area. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit the area and seek out the local inhabitants, as wildlife is more active in the cooler weather, and as they move between wintering and summer feeding grounds. Bring a field guide to identify various species and a camera to record your finds.
The Mount Logan Wilderness is surrounded by mountainous terrain and several ski resorts are located in the surrounding areas. Although these resorts are not far as the crow flies, they are several hours drive away, due to the mountainous terrain and the routes which local highways need to follow.
Ski resorts in the area provide groomed runs for downhill skiers and snowboarders, with on-hill accommodations, lessons, and equipment rentals. Enjoy the views of the wilderness during the winter season from the slopes as you glide down the mountainsides in the area.
Primitive backcountry camping in Mount Logan Wilderness is permitted on public lands. Be aware that there is private land at Big Springs, and backpackers should be respectful and avoid crossing into this area without permission.
Enjoy the remote wilderness at Mount Logan which has little human activity. Campers should be aware that there is no cellular service in the area and that amenities and services, including emergency services, are a significant distance away. This region is more appropriate for experienced wilderness backcountry campers who are prepared and equipped for emergencies. Large predators reside in the area and campers should ensure that they have appropriate food storage containers so that they do not attract unwanted attention.
Adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles, and use previously occupied sites on hard ground whenever possible. Maximum stays at backcountry camping sites are 14 days, before visitors are required to move to another location, and campsites must be 200 yards away from trails and water sources.
Hells Hole is a natural geological feature where the terrain forms a natural amphitheater lined with colorful rock formations. A half-mile maintained hiking trail leads to a scenic overlook of Hells Hole, providing an excellent view of this feature.
The descent into Hells Hole is steep with heavy vegetation and very rugged terrain. The terrain is very challenging, and only appropriate for experienced, conditioned hikers. A visit to this fascinating spot, with hidden creeks and a waterfall is a wonderful experience if you are prepared for the harsh conditions and strenuous climbs.
Mount Trumbull at 8029 feet and Mount Logan at 7886 feet are hiking and climbing destinations for the adventurous. They offer spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness region and the canyon areas from high elevation overlooks on trails leading up the mountains.
Significant elevation gains of 200 feet and steep terrain on the Mount Trumbull trail mean visitors must be prepared for strenuous climbs and rough mountainous terrain, but the views are well worth the effort. Mount Logan is less steep, and the mountain provides views of Whitmore Canyon to the south, which leads to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
The Tuweep Overlook is about a 90-minute drive from the Mount Logan Wilderness. The overlook is situated below the rim of the Grand Canyon at 3000 vertical feet above the Colorado River. This overlook provides a sweeping, dramatic view of the Grand Canyon below, and is challenging to get to, so has few visitors.
View the spectacular Grand Canyon without the crowds at this remote location. Volcanic cinder cones and lava flows are unique features in the area, but the volcanic soil can result in mudslides during heavy rainfall, making access to the area especially treacherous. Be aware that heavy rains in the summer and precipitation and freezing temperatures in the winter can make the overlook inaccessible.
