Brittlebush Trailhead | Arizona

Brittlebush Trail is a near level, 6-mile route through the heart of the 63,200-acre North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness in the Sonoran Desert National Monument. 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 includes desert mule deer, javelina, desert bighorn sheep, coyote, desert tortoise, and numerous varieties of lizards and birds. 

Brittlebush 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. The northern terminus of the Brittlebush Trail intersects the Margies Cove Trail in the interior of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.

Hours and Seasons

Trail can be used year-round; however, it is recommended for use from November through April. At other times of the year, the trail is seldom used due to high temperatures.

Summer temperatures may often exceed 110°F (43°C). Wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water!

Features and Services

  • Access and Parking: The parking area consists of hard-packed ground with non-striped spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
  • Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water. 
  • Toilets: An accessible vault toilet is south of the Brittlebush Trailhead along route 8004 near Gap Well. 
  • Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service may be unreliable. There is no public internet or Wi-Fi. 
  • Pets: Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Pack out all waste. 
  • Nearby Attractions and Amenities: The northern terminus of the Brittlebush Trail intersects the Margies Cove Trail in the interior of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.

Safety and Conditions

This is a remote area and access roads are not maintained. Cell phones do not work in many areas of the monument.

Heat and Sun

The monument's elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,400 feet (304-1,215 m), so summer is rough on visitors. It's best to enjoy the monument from late October to mid-April. If you are visiting in summer, take extra precautions to drink plenty of water, as temperatures may exceed 110°F (43°C). We recommend sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Weather forecast

Water

Bring all the water you will need. There is no drinking water available on the monument. Plan on drinking one gallon (4 liters) per person per day—more if you're engaged in strenuous activities.

Your vehicle

Make sure your gasoline tank is full, carry additional water and full-size spare tires in your vehicle, and make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Winter is the most popular time to visit.

Wildlife

The desert sun stirs up rattlesnakes and other reptiles as early as February.

Flash floods

Flash floods caused by sudden storms can be dangerous in washes, so it is best to have a survival plan to prevent emergency situations.  Have good maps with you and know how to use them.

Border Concerns

The southern part of the monument is a corridor for drug and human smugglers. Be alert for illegal activities and law enforcement operations.

Respect and Protect

The area is home to many species of wildlife. Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by leaving no trace during your visit.

Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.

Report resource crimes including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

This trail may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments.

Contact Us

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Activities

Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
Iconograph of a person on horseback
HORSEBACK RIDING
Iconograph of three evergreen trees
WILDERNESS
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WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

Phoenix District Office
2020 E. Bell Road
Phoenix
Arizona
85022

Geographic Coordinates

32.993194, -112.522659

Directions

The trailhead can be accessed by Road 8004 off Maricopa Road, located 12 miles east of Gila Bend. Follow Road 8004 and 8004A for 6 miles to the trailhead. Brittlebush Trail can also be accessed via Margies Cove West Trailhead. 

Fees

There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this trail or wilderness area. It is free.

However, 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.

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

Visits to the Sand Tank Mountains, located south of Interstate 8, require a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit. Permits are only available online and not at the local BLM office.

Stay Limit

Most of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.

Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.