- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- No permits or passes are required for ordi…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Kingman Field Office
Plan with verified data
Aubrey Peak Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Aubrey Peak Wilderness
How to get there
From Kingman, travel 22 miles south on Interstate 40 to the Yucca/Alamo Road turnoff. From Yucca, continue 44 miles south on Alamo Road to the wooden-pole power line crossing. Follow the powerline maintenance road a short distance west to the wilderness boundary. Jeep trails running southwest and northwest roughly define the boundaries there. Alternatively, reach Alamo Road from U.S. Highway 93 at Wikieup via county-maintained Chicken Springs Road; the wilderness boundary is 4.5 miles south of the Signal Road/Alamo Road junction. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended. Keep vehicles outside the wilderness and respect nonfederal property.
- Alamo Road powerline crossing
The access described from Yucca follows Alamo Road south to a wooden-pole power line. A maintenance road leads a short distance west to the wilderness boundary, where southwest- and northwest-running jeep trails roughly mark its edges.
- Wikieup via Chicken Springs Road
An alternate approach from U.S. Highway 93 uses county-maintained Chicken Springs Road to reach Alamo Road. The wilderness boundary lies 4.5 miles south of the Signal Road/Alamo Road junction; this is an approach corridor, not a named developed trailhead.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Backpacking
Volcanic landforms between two deserts
Aubrey Peak Wilderness covers 15,400 acres in Mohave County, Arizona, roughly 70 miles south of Kingman and 40 miles east of Lake Havasu City. Aubrey Peak itself is a large, cliff-encircled mesa dominating the eastern portion of the wilderness, rather than a simple summit destination. Around it, mesas, buttes, volcanic plugs, and winding canyons rise through brightly colored rhyolite, tuff, and basalt. Wind and water have shaped the softer rock into natural windows, tufa caves, spires, slickrock terraces, and deep potholes called tinajas. Elevations range from approximately 1,600 to 3,000 feet. The vegetation marks a Mojave–Sonoran Desert transition: saguaro, paloverde, ironwood, and smoke trees mingle with Joshua trees. That mix of rock and vegetation gives photographers plenty to work with without needing to reach a summit.
Trail-free walking and desert conditions
There are no established hiking trails in Aubrey Peak Wilderness. Sand washes provide practical cross-country routes, and distinctive rock formations can help with orientation, but visitors must choose their own line and keep track of the return journey. A few unmaintained two-track routes leading toward long-abandoned mines also offer walking options. Cross-country travel is generally described as relatively easy; that does not make every mesa or cliff accessible. Plan around water and temperature rather than mileage alone. Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees, while October through April brings more moderate conditions. Higher elevations can receive winter snow. Carry enough drinking water for the whole outing: natural water occurs only in potholes after rainstorms, and the two wildlife catchments collect storm runoff. Purify any water used.
Primitive recreation and responsible access
Hiking, backpacking, photography, birding, stargazing, and camping fit this undeveloped wilderness setting. Birds include verdins, crissal thrashers, black-throated sparrows, Abert’s towhees, and black-tailed gnatcatchers; desert bighorn sheep also occur here. Watch wildlife from a distance and keep water sources undisturbed. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended for access, but motor vehicles, bicycles, and other mechanical transport are generally prohibited inside the wilderness. Some lands around and within the area are not federally administered, so check ownership and obtain permission before crossing those parcels. Ordinary visits require no permits, passes, or fees. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit, and recreation on nearby state trust land requires an Arizona permit. Follow Leave No Trace practices and confirm activity-specific requirements with the BLM Kingman Field Office.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Aubrey Peak Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 34.3944, -113.8211
- Latitude (DMS)
- 34° 23′ 39.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 113° 49′ 15.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Aubrey Peak Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
A large cliff-encircled mesa, Aubrey Peak dominates the middle of the eastern half of this Wilderness, which ranges in elevation from approximately 1,600’ to 3,000’. It is a land of stark geologic...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 34.394, -113.821
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Aubrey Peak Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Birdwatching
Migration windows and the habitat that concentrates birds.
Animals around Aubrey Peak Wilderness
Volcanic landforms between two deserts
Aubrey Peak Wilderness covers 15,400 acres in Mohave County, Arizona, roughly 70 miles south of Kingman and 40 miles east of Lake Havasu City. Aubrey Peak itself is a large, cliff-encircled mesa dominating the eastern portion of the wilderness, rather than a simple summit destination. Around it, mesas, buttes, volcanic plugs, and winding canyons rise through brightly colored rhyolite, tuff, and basalt. Wind and water have shaped the softer rock into natural windows, tufa caves, spires, slickrock terraces, and deep potholes called tinajas. Elevations range from approximately 1,600 to 3,000 feet. The vegetation marks a Mojave–Sonoran Desert transition: saguaro, paloverde, ironwood, and smoke trees mingle with Joshua trees. That mix of rock and vegetation gives photographers plenty to work with without needing to reach a summit.
Trail-free walking and desert conditions
There are no established hiking trails in Aubrey Peak Wilderness. Sand washes provide practical cross-country routes, and distinctive rock formations can help with orientation, but visitors must choose their own line and keep track of the return journey. A few unmaintained two-track routes leading toward long-abandoned mines also offer walking options. Cross-country travel is generally described as relatively easy; that does not make every mesa or cliff accessible. Plan around water and temperature rather than mileage alone. Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees, while October through April brings more moderate conditions. Higher elevations can receive winter snow. Carry enough drinking water for the whole outing: natural water occurs only in potholes after rainstorms, and the two wildlife catchments collect storm runoff. Purify any water used.
Primitive recreation and responsible access
Hiking, backpacking, photography, birding, stargazing, and camping fit this undeveloped wilderness setting. Birds include verdins, crissal thrashers, black-throated sparrows, Abert’s towhees, and black-tailed gnatcatchers; desert bighorn sheep also occur here. Watch wildlife from a distance and keep water sources undisturbed. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended for access, but motor vehicles, bicycles, and other mechanical transport are generally prohibited inside the wilderness. Some lands around and within the area are not federally administered, so check ownership and obtain permission before crossing those parcels. Ordinary visits require no permits, passes, or fees. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit, and recreation on nearby state trust land requires an Arizona permit. Follow Leave No Trace practices and confirm activity-specific requirements with the BLM Kingman Field Office.
Route options
- Sand-wash cross-country walkingGenerally relatively easy cross-country travel; no established trails.
Use sand washes as self-directed walking routes through the volcanic landscape. No established trail or fixed itinerary is provided; use the distinctive formations for orientation while maintaining a clear return plan.
- Unmaintained mine two-tracks
A few primitive, unmaintained two-track routes leading toward long-abandoned mines can be used for hiking. These are walking options rather than maintained trails or authorized motorized routes within the wilderness.
Sample itineraries
- Sand-wash day hike · 1 day
Reach the wilderness boundary via Alamo Road and the powerline maintenance road, then continue on foot. Use sand washes for a self-planned out-and-back among volcanic formations. There are no established hiking trails; choose a turnaround that fits navigation skills, temperatures, and carried water.
- Volcanic landscape photography overnight · 2 days
Plan a cross-country backpacking trip focused on views of Aubrey Peak's cliff-encircled mesa, surrounding buttes, and desert vegetation. Camp using Leave No Trace practices and return the next day. Carry water for the entire trip rather than relying on potholes or wildlife catchments.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Through April 30
Temperatures fall within the more moderate visiting period through April. Water remains very scarce. Carry drinking water and plan cross-country travel around the forecast.
Summer
Summer months
Harsh daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Scarce water and exposed desert travel make heat management critical. Favor the more moderate season for extended hiking and backpacking.
Fall
From October 1
The more moderate temperature period begins October 1. Cooler conditions do not make water dependable; natural water is limited to potholes following rainstorms.
Winter
Winter months
Temperatures are generally more moderate than summer, but higher elevations can receive snow. Bring layers and check the forecast before committing to an overnight trip.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Through April 30 | Temperatures fall within the more moderate visiting period through April. Water remains very scarce. Carry drinking water and plan cross-country travel around the forecast. |
| Summer | Summer months | Harsh daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Scarce water and exposed desert travel make heat management critical. Favor the more moderate season for extended hiking and backpacking. |
| Fall | From October 1 | The more moderate temperature period begins October 1. Cooler conditions do not make water dependable; natural water is limited to potholes following rainstorms. |
| Winter | Winter months | Temperatures are generally more moderate than summer, but higher elevations can receive snow. Bring layers and check the forecast before committing to an overnight trip. |
Permits, fees & closures
No permits or passes are required for ordinary wilderness visits. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Recreation on nearby state trust land requires an Arizona permit.
Fees: Wilderness visits are free.
Official source: Aubrey Peak Wilderness - Arizona | Bureau of Land Management · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Heat and very scarce water make extended travel demanding.
- Natural water occurs only in potholes following rainstorms. Two wildlife catchments collect storm runoff, but neither should anchor a drinking-water plan. Purify any water collected.
- There are no established hiking trails. Sand washes provide possible routes, but cross-country travel requires navigation and a clear return plan.
- Cliffs, slickrock terraces, and deep potholes require careful route choices. Do not assume a direct approach to Aubrey Peak provides a safe ascent.
- Access is primitive, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. Verify your approach before leaving maintained roads.
- Higher elevations can receive winter snow; prepare for colder conditions than the desert setting might suggest.
What to pack for Aubrey Peak Wilderness
- Drinking water for the entire outing
- Extra water capacity
- Water purification equipment
- Sun hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing
- Topographic map showing wilderness and land-ownership boundaries
- Compass
- Offline navigation device with backup power
- Sturdy footwear for sand washes and rocky terrain
- Season-appropriate shelter and sleep system
- Warm layers for winter and higher elevations
- First-aid kit
- Waste bags for packing out trash
- Binoculars for desert birds and distant bighorn sheep
- Camera for volcanic formations and desert vegetation
Aubrey Peak Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Aubrey Peak Wilderness?
- This 15,400-acre wilderness lies in Mohave County, Arizona, 70 miles south of Kingman and 40 miles east of Lake Havasu City. Aubrey Peak is a large, cliff-encircled mesa dominating the eastern portion.
- How do you reach the wilderness?
- From Kingman, travel 22 miles south on Interstate 40 to the Yucca/Alamo Road turnoff. Continue 44 miles south from Yucca on Alamo Road to a wooden-pole power line. Follow the powerline maintenance road west toward the boundary. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.
- Are there hiking trails or a marked summit route?
- There are no established hiking trails. Sand washes can serve as cross-country routes, and some unmaintained two-track routes lead toward abandoned mines. Plan your own navigation rather than expecting a marked route to Aubrey Peak.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- Brightly colored rhyolite, tuff, and basalt form mesas, buttes, and volcanic plugs. Erosion has created natural windows, tufa caves, spires, slickrock terraces, and tinajas. The Mojave–Sonoran transition supports saguaro, paloverde, ironwood, smoke trees, and Joshua trees.
- Can vehicles or bicycles enter the wilderness?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited inside the wilderness. Some surrounding and interior lands are not federally administered; obtain landowner permission before crossing or using them.
- Who can confirm regulations and access details?
- Contact the BLM Kingman Field Office at 928-718-3700 or BLM_AZ_KFOWEB@blm.gov. Confirm current access details, applicable regulations, and special recreation permit requirements before organizing a group or commercial outing.