Wickenburg Mountains

Total Miles
18.5

Elevation

1,351.17 ft

Duration

5 Hours

Technical Rating

6

Difficult

Best Time

Summer

Trail Overview

If you are looking for a remote ride with great points of interest, this is it. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, visit Bradshaw's Grave and an old homestead at Copperopolis Townsite. You can return the way you came or take the new exit route. Explore the trail in reverse by starting from Lake Pleasant. Unlicensed vehicles allowed.

Photos of Wickenburg Mountains

Wickenburg Mountains
Wickenburg Mountains

Difficulty

Difficult: We previously rated this trail moderate, but conditions have gotten worse due to washouts in sandy canyon bottoms. New exit route was not difficult when we drove it, but this route is prone to damage from flash floods. Don't go if heavy rains are forecast. Aggressive SUVs with high clearance can do it unless new damage occurs.

History

Issac Bradshaw, namesake to the Bradshaw Mountains, died in 1886. His grave has been well maintained over the years and is easy to find, marked by a white picket fence. Little is known about Copperopolis, except that it had a post office in 1884 and lasted about a year. The mine can be seen across a ravine on a hillside east of the stone cabin.

Technical Rating

6

Access Description

From Highway 60 east of Wickenburg, turn north on El Recreo Drive just east of McDonald's. Merge with Constellation Road and continue northeast 8.6 miles to Buckhorn Road. Turn right and stay on Buckhorn Road 4.3 miles to obscure road on left at bottom of tight curve. Look for large metal water tank hidden in trees.

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