
Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
Explore rugged desert landscapes, scenic off-road routes, and challenging hikes in the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking

Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore rugged desert landscapes, scenic off-road routes, and challenging hikes in the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area.
"Beautiful desert views and great for off-road driving, but bring a capable vehicle!"

π High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Some roads, like the upper trailhead, require 4WD. Be prepared for ruts and uneven terrain.
π§ Bring Plenty of Water
It's the desert! Stay hydrated on hikes and drives. Water sources are scarce.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 Β· 72 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vulture Peak Trail
Vulture Peak Trailhead
Hike to the saddle for stunning desert views; reaching the summit is challenging but rewarding.

Scenic OHV Routes
N Vulture Trail
Enjoy beautiful desert scenery on off-road vehicle routes, perfect for a scenic drive.

Desert Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the area
Keep an eye out for desert wildlife like owls and other native creatures during your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Desert Terrain
Trail Access & Vehicle Needs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Some roads, like the upper trailhead, require 4WD. Be prepared for ruts and uneven terrain.
π§ Bring Plenty of Water
It's the desert! Stay hydrated on hikes and drives. Water sources are scarce.
Any suggestions on a place to photograph a motorcycle?
I'm looking for a scenic area in the valley to do a photshoot of my Harley. Any suggestions would be nice. Thanks!
πΈ Motorcycle Photo Ops
Vulture Mine Road offers scenic pull-offs perfect for motorcycle photoshoots.
π¦ Wildlife Sightings
You might spot owls and other desert animals, especially during cooler parts of the day.
Tips
from all over the internet
π High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Some roads, like the upper trailhead, require 4WD. Be prepared for ruts and uneven terrain.
π§ Bring Plenty of Water
It's the desert! Stay hydrated on hikes and drives. Water sources are scarce.
πΈ Motorcycle Photo Ops
Vulture Mine Road offers scenic pull-offs perfect for motorcycle photoshoots.
π¦ Wildlife Sightings
You might spot owls and other desert animals, especially during cooler parts of the day.
π₯Ύ Hike to the Saddle
The hike to the saddle is beautiful; the summit is for experienced hikers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area for its beautiful desert scenery and opportunities for off-road driving and hiking. The rugged terrain and remote feel are highlights, though some wish for more dedicated trails. Access can be challenging for standard vehicles.
"Good OHV road through the area, limited trails though. We drove in from Morristown near by, took about 2 hours on the N Vulture trail. The scenery was beautiful but we would have liked to have access to more trails. Saw some owls along the way, not sure what kind though. Worth the drive if your in the area."
Jeremy Jeremy
"This place is great for hiking and off-road driving. You can drive Ohv/dirt bike half way up to the peak, and then hime the rest of the way. Clean, quiet with amazing desert views. ποΈπ"
Matthew Pursley
"Vulture Peak Trailhead is a little bit remote . The lower Trailhead is easy to get to with a car. The upper Trailhead is a four-wheel drive Trail and it's serious you'd want a good four wheel drive with good clearance not an easy Trail. the desert is very beautiful right now in May. very Scenic very remote nice Trail could be a little better if you could get a little further up the hill because the last straight up portion you already in over a mile and a half and a little bit difficult unless you're a good hiker."
Brian St Andre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
The area is accessible from Morristown and Wickenburg. Vulture Mine Road offers scenic routes, but be aware that some roads require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. The Vulture Peak Trailhead can be remote.
The lower trailhead is generally accessible by car. However, for more adventurous routes or to reach the upper trailhead, a 4WD vehicle with good clearance is highly recommended due to rough terrain and deep ruts.
There are two trailheads. The lower one is easier to reach. The upper trailhead is a serious 4WD trail. For a challenging hike, consider driving to the lower trailhead and hiking from there.
Yes, Wickenburg is a nearby town that offers amenities like coffee shops and supplies.
Roads can be rough with significant ruts, especially on unpaved sections. A high-clearance vehicle is advised for exploring beyond the main access points.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entrance fees is not widely available, but it's generally considered a natural recreation area. It's always a good idea to check local BLM (Bureau of Land Management) resources for any potential fees or permits.
As a natural recreation area, it's typically open from dawn to dusk. However, specific access points or facilities might have limited hours. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours.
While specific permits for general OHV use aren't always mentioned, it's wise to check with the BLM for any regulations regarding off-road vehicle use in designated areas.
Yes, there are clean pit toilets available at some trailheads, along with ample parking spots.
Dispersed camping might be an option in some areas, but official campgrounds are not prominently advertised. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and check BLM guidelines for camping regulations.
π« π§ Onsite Experience
The Vulture Peak Trail is a popular choice, offering beautiful desert views. Hikers can go to the saddle, with the summit being a more challenging endeavor.
Yes, it's a good area for off-road driving with scenic routes like the N Vulture Trail. However, some reviewers note that the number of dedicated trails can be limited.
Expect stunning desert landscapes with beautiful, remote, and scenic views. You might also encounter unique desert flora and fauna.
Absolutely! The scenic desert vistas and rugged terrain make it a great spot for photography, especially for motorcycles looking for a backdrop.
Visitors have reported seeing owls and other desert wildlife. It's a great place to observe the natural desert ecosystem.
πΈ πΈ Photography
Scenic pull-off spots along Vulture Mine Road are excellent for capturing the desert landscape. The Vulture Peak Trail also offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially from the saddle.
The rugged desert terrain and scenic vistas are ideal for landscape photography. It's also a popular spot for motorcycle photoshoots due to the dramatic backdrops.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones. Wildlife sightings might also be more common during these cooler hours.
Vulture Peak itself, the saddle area, and the expansive desert vistas are prime photographic subjects. The rugged roads also add to the visual appeal.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens for wildlife. Ensure your gear is protected from dust and heat.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit