Trail Map (pdf)

GENERAL INFORMATION:  Margies Cove Trail is a nearly level, 9-mile route through the heart of the 63,200-acre North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness. The North Maricopa Mountains are a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks separated by extensive, saguaro-studded bajadas and wide desert washes. Cholla, ocotillo, prickly pear, paloverde, ironwood, and Mexican jumping bean complement the thick stands of saguaro to form classic Sonoran Desert vistas. Commonly seen wildlife include desert mule deer, javelina, desert bighorn sheep, coyote, desert tortoise, and numerous varieties of lizards and birds.

Margies Cove Trail follows a combination of former vehicle tracks and wide, unmarked desert washes. No trail signage or directional markers are available along the route; therefore, this trail is recommended only for experienced hikers skilled in reading topographic maps. Margies Cove Trail intersects the northern terminus of the Brittlebush Trail in the interior of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.

ACCESS:  Margies Cove Trail is accessed by Margies Cove West and Margies Cove East trailheads. To access Margies Cove West Trailhead, exit Arizona Highway 85 onto a primitive dirt access road as shown on the map below. Use extreme caution when turning from Highway 85 onto the dirt road. A high-clearance, two- wheel-drive vehicle is suitable for this road. Margies Cove East Trailhead is accessed from Maricopa Road (Arizona Highway 238) as shown on the map below. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for safe access to the Margies Cove East Trailhead.

FACILITIES:  Margies Cove West Trailhead includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, three campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage. Margies Cove East Trailhead has day-use parking for five vehicles and informational signage.

MAPS:  Margies Cove Trail is not mapped; however, the route is depicted on the USGS 7.5-minute topographic maps "Butterfield Pass, Ariz." and "Cotton Center SE, Ariz." The remainder of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is depicted on USGS 7.5- minute topographic maps "Margies Peak, Ariz.," and "Mobile NW, Ariz."

NOTES:

• Margies Cove Trail receives the greatest use from October through April. At other times, the trail is little used. Always tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Drinking water is not provided at Margies Cove West or Margies Cove East trailheads, so bring plenty.
• The North Maricopa Mountains are prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes.
• You may encounter rattlesnakes or other poisonous creatures; watch for them and be careful where you put your hands and feet. Do not harass reptiles - most bites result from people playing with, collecting or attempting to kill them.
• Fires are not allowed in the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bureau of Land Management
Phoenix District Office
21605 N.7th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(623) 580-5500

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