State Parks and National Parks

Arrastra Mountain Wilderness

The Arrastra wilderness is a vast region of rugged terrain, curving canyons, rocky outcrops and volcanic hills.

The 129,800-acre wilderness covers parts of Mohave, Yavapai, and La Paz counties, 100 miles northwest of Phoenix and 70 miles southeast of Kingman, Arizona.

The Poachie Range, which winds through the north-central portion of the wilderness, rises to almost 5,000 feet. The gradual southern slopes of the range have several isolated volcanic plugs and numerous drainages, several of which have been deeply incised into a bright orange mudstone.

The western and southern portions of the wilderness include more than 20 miles of the Big Sandy and Santa Maria rivers. West of the Big Sandy, the Artillery Mountains are dominated by the striking red Artillery Peak, a 1,200-foot tall volcanic plug.

The east side of the wilderness contains the uniquely pristine Peoples Canyon. Several springs here maintain a two-mile-long chain of deep, interconnecting pools densely shaded by hundreds of sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods.

A high-clearance two-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for the 17-Mile Road and Palmerita Ranch access routes.

The summer climate in this wilderness unit is harsh. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are can exceed 100 degrees F. Temperatures are more moderate from October through April.

The terrain in Arrastra Mountain Wilderness is extremely rugged. A few old vehicle ways provide hiking routes in some places, but the most commonly used routes are the sand washes that dissect the area. Burro trails can sometimes be located and followed on uplands. No formal hiking trails exist in this wilderness unit.

Water is relatively scarce in this wilderness. Springs shown on topographic maps can generally be relied upon for drinking water. Purification of all water is necessary.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Office.