Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway | Arizona

Running up the Harquahala Mountain, this road provides amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding desert. Along the byway are a series of diverse flora, numerous historical mining sites, stone structures, and informational sites regarding the work done on-site. Once visitors reach the top of the byway, an observatory build by the Smithsonian gives a gorgeous viewpoint to look over the whole area with changes in elevation and landscapes to provide a fun, yet challenging route. 

Byway Details

The Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway is located in southern Arizona around Maricopa County approximately 80 miles west of Pheonix. The byway spans 10.5 miles running along the beautiful Eagletail Mountains and contains both historic small-cale mining sites and vast open wilderness to engage with. Visitors who scale the 5,600 foot change in elevation can get a birds-eye view of the pristine Upper Sonoran Desert habitat

Attractions & Features

• Picnic and campsite areas allowing for multiple groups to set up near natural areas
• Observatory looking over the entire landscape
• Opportunities to see flora and fauna with various reptiles, mammals, cacti, desert plants, and other desert adapted species

Byway Designation

The Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway was officially designated as a Type III byway in 2000. This designation is in recognition of the sites of scenic, historical, educational, and wildlife values. With the designation of a Type III byway, only vehicles with 4-wheel drive are permitted as the desert terrain remains mostly untouched. The byway is managed by Maricopa County with the assistance of federal and state partners.