Mt. Wilson Wilderness - Missouri Spring Trailhead | Arizona
Missouri Spring Trail follows an old two-track vehicle route for about 2.25 miles to Missouri Spring in Mount Wilson Wilderness. The route has gentle grades as it meanders through sparse Mohave Desert vegetation. After about 1.5 miles, the route enters a desert wash and is difficult to follow (following the wash itself beyond this point will lead you to the spring area). You may observe various wildlife species and wild burros in the area that rely on the water provided at these springs.
The ideal season of use for the Missouri Spring Trail is between September and May, although early-morning hiking during the summer can be pleasant as well. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are over 100 degrees.
The area offers abundant opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation activities, although it is frequently over flown by tourist aircraft. Near the springs you may spot evidence of historic mining activities, including several locations where names and dates have been chipped into rocks. Continuing up the canyon from the springs, robust hikers can climb to Wilson Ridge and Mount Wilson, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Mead.
When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and embrace the seven Leave No Trace principles to help preserve its natural beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert may differ from what's best in mountainous terrain.
Please note that motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
Because the primary purpose of this site is to provide a primitive experience within an undeveloped natural setting, the site may present challenges to accessibility.
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Directions
A four-wheel drive vehicle is required to access the trailhead. Turn northeast onto the Temple Bar Road from Highway 93. This turnoff is about 19 miles south of Hoover Dam. Look for NPS Road #130, on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located on your left, at approximately milepost 10.8 on Temple Bar Road. Follow this trail west for 3.1 miles to trailhead parking.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended for all access routes to the Mount Wilson Wilderness.
Most of the lands surrounding the wilderness are administered by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Obey all National Park Service public use and off-road-vehicle restrictions when accessing the Mount Wilson wilderness.
Fees
There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area. It is free.
However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Kingman Field Office for more information about special recreation permits.
Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona.
If you plan to visit the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area, learn more about fees and passes for this area on the National Park Service website.