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Due to an increase in illegal border activity, all backcountry areas are closed indefinitely to both hiking and overnight camping. Please check with the staff at the Visitor Center for current information.
Several trails offer close looks at the beauty of the desert.
The best hiking months are October through April. Pets, if
leashed, can be taken on two of the trails. Otherwise, pets
are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. When hiking,
take one gallon of water per person per day. Avoid overexertion
and overexposure to the sun. Watch out for the many desert
plants with spines and thorns. At night carry a flashlight
and watch for rattlesnakes. Snakes are protected here. Do
not harm them. Cross-country hiking in the open desert can
be enjoyable, too, but first discuss your planned route with
a park ranger.
Hiked
Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:
| Campground Perimeter Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
~1,699 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
Anywhere around the outside of the campground (31 56.450N; 112 48.662W). |
| Description: |
An ideal leisurely walk at the start or end of your day. Pets are permitted. |
| Estes Canyon-Bull Pasture Trail |
| Distance: |
4.1 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
2,366 to 3,369 feet. |
Total Ascent: |
1,003 feet. |
| Trailhead: |
Across from the picnic area along Mountain Drive, at Map Coordinates (NAD83): 32 00.960N; 112 42.714W. |
| Description: |
A climb to a high plateau where ranchers once wintered cattle. There are grand views of the surrounding terrain. |
| Palo Verde Trail |
| Distance: |
2.6 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
Leaves the Campground Perimeter Trail along the east side of the campground. |
| Description: |
This is a connecting trail between the campground and the Visitor Center highlighted by views of the rugged Ajo Mountains. Pets are permitted. |
| Victoria Mine Trail |
| Distance: |
4.5 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
Leaves the southwest side of the campground. |
| Description: |
This is a hike over rolling terrain to the Monument's richest and oldest gold and silver mine (31 55.769N; 112 50.266W; 1,648 feet). |
Not Hiked
- Alamo Canyon Trail
- Arch Canyon Trail
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- Desert View Nature Trail
- Visitor Center Nature Trail
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