a mountain biker on a rocky trail in a desert landscape

Arizona Recreation Opportunities

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona public lands offer a variety of landscapes and outdoor experiences. Hiking, camping, hunting, target shooting, fishing and boating are just some of the many activities to enjoy on your public lands.

Check to see if you need a permit or a pass and if there are any advisories or closures before heading out.

Enjoy visiting public lands, and please take care of these lands like they were your own — because they are!

Find your next adventure!

2552 Results

South Pass Historic Mining Area

This 30-square-mile area was a focal point for the discovery of gold in 1842 and the resultant 1867 gold rush that settled this part of Wyoming. By 1868, about 1,500 people lived in the District towns of South Pass and...
South Pass Overlook entrance South Pass Overlook entrance

South Pass Overlook

A stop along the National Historic Trail Auto Tour Route, the South Pass Overlook includes interpretive signs that focus on the early emigration period and the importance of the pass in U.S. history.

South Pass Summit

In Wyoming, this broad pass, the highest point on the trail, is at the summit of an almost imperceptible approach to the Continental Divide and was the key to the entire trail system.

South Phillips Recreation Management Area

This large area of rolling prairie with shrub/scrub is a nationally important breeding area for shortgrass bird species, such as mountain plover, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, Baird's sparrow, and Sprague's pipit. The area's prairie potholes attract more than 10,000 breeding...

South Pinnacles WSA

The South Pinnacles WSA encompasses 10,800 acres, including 26 acres of split estate land. The study area contains mostly flat topography, with an exposure of broken rimrock and ridges running west to east. Rough, rocky crags and unusual escarpments are...

Fees, Permits and Passes

To help maintain recreation opportunities on public lands and enhance visitor experiences, certain fees, permits, and passes may be required depending on the activity and location. When you are planning your visit to public lands, understanding the fees, permits, and passes you'll need is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Always check the specific recreation site’s webpage before your visit.

Fees may apply at recreation sites and areas including, but not limited to:

  • Day-use areas
  • Campgrounds
  • Boat launches
  • Long Term Visitor Areas

Payment methods vary by site and may include on-site fee stations or online at Recreation.gov. The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes provide free access to BLM public lands where a Standard Amenity Fee (e.g. day use fee) is charged. Some campgrounds and other recreation sites may offer discounts for overnight use with these passes.

For public safety and land health, the BLM also provides access to multiple recreation sites through public lottery and permit systems. You can apply for and purchase recreation permits online to visit BLM special areas in Arizona — Aravaipa Canyon, Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), Coyote Buttes South, and Paria Canyon.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

You must have a permit for recreational use of Aravaipa Canyon. You can get permits only through Recreation.gov.

Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon permits.

Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South

You must have a permit to visit Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South. Permits are available for day use only. There is a daily limit on permits. Permits for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) are offered through a lottery.

Paria Canyon

You must have a permit to visit Paria Canyon.

Day use: Day-use permits are available at a self-permitting station at trailheads.

Overnight trips: You must have an advance permit for overnight use of Paria Canyon. Overnight use is limited to 20 people per day.

Learn more about Paria Canyon permits.

U.S. Air Force Barry M. Goldwater Range

You must have a Barry M. Goldwater Range Permit for these authorized areas of Sonoran Desert lands in southwestern Arizona:

  • Barry M. Goldwater Range - East public areas: Area B, Bender Springs, and the Ajo Air Station
  • Barry M. Goldwater Range - West public areas
  • Area A of the Sonoran Desert National Monument
  • Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Air Force has changed the way we issue Barry Goldwater permits. The new system utilizes an online system. Learn more about Barry M. Goldwater Range permits.

You must create an account online, watch the required safety video, acknowledge you agree to the stipulations, and print a permit.

The Phoenix District Office Public Room and the Arizona State Office Public Room no longer issue the permits manually at the front desk. We can only provide instructions on the system. You will need to use the permit site and print the permit from your home computer.

Recreational activities on nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona.

Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more information about special recreation permits.

Advisories and Closures

Outdoor Ethics

You can help protect and conserve public lands for current and future generations by treading lightly and leaving no trace.

For Kids

You can create lasting family memories on public lands.

Check out Junior Ranger books and Agents of Discovery activities from across Arizona.