- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Ordinary wilderness visits require no perm…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Kingman Field Office
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Mount Nutt Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Mount Nutt Wilderness
How to get there
From Kingman, take Highway 93 north to Highway 68, then head west toward Estrella Road. Both listed access points approach from Estrella Road and Shinarump Drive. Cave Spring Access can be reached with any type of vehicle; Twin Springs Access requires four-wheel drive. Use the access-specific directions below rather than an interior wilderness map point.
- Twin Springs Access
Four-wheel drive is required. From Highway 68, follow Estrella Road south for 4.7 miles to Shinarump Drive. Turn right and continue 0.5 miles to Kaibab Road. Turn left, heading south for 2.4 miles to a jeep trail on the right. Follow that jeep trail about one mile along the wilderness boundary to trailhead parking.
- Cave Spring Access
Suitable for any type of vehicle. From Highway 93, follow Highway 68 west approximately 9 miles to Estrella Road. Head south for 4.7 miles to Shinarump Drive, turn right, and continue 2.0 miles to Guthrie Road. Turn right and park in the small rock-lined parking area on the left.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
Volcanic terrain in the Black Mountains
Mount Nutt Wilderness protects 28,080 acres in Mohave County, Arizona, covering an eight-mile stretch of the central and highest Black Mountains. It lies 15 miles west of Kingman and 12 miles east of Bullhead City. Nutt Mountain rises to 5,216 feet above a landscape of prominent mesas, steep canyon mazes, and large volcanic plugs. Elevations drop to about 2,200 feet near the wilderness boundary, giving the area substantial relief. Hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, photography, and rock scrambling are all ways to explore it, but the terrain is extremely rugged. This is an undeveloped setting rather than an accessible recreation site. Morning and evening light bring out the shapes and colors of the volcanic landforms, making photography a useful focus for a carefully paced outing.
Plan for heat, scarce water, and rough travel
Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees, making heat a central trip-planning concern. Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30, though a cooler-season visit still requires preparation for desert travel. Carry all the water needed for the trip; scattered springs should not be treated as a dependable resupply plan. Purify any water collected in the wilderness. A few old vehicle ways provide hiking routes, but sand washes are the most commonly used corridors through the area. Bighorn sheep and burro trails can sometimes be followed on the uplands. These features do not remove the challenges of navigating steep, maze-like terrain. Carry navigation tools, allow time for slow progress, and choose an outing that leaves enough water and energy for the return.
Wildlife, land boundaries, and wilderness rules
Desert bighorn sheep inhabit Mount Nutt Wilderness, while scattered springs support small oases of cottonwoods, willows, and oaks. Give wildlife space and avoid disturbing these limited water sources. Some land within and around the wilderness is not federally administered, including a private parcel in the western portion; do not cross or use it without permission. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles and OHVs, are generally prohibited in federal wilderness. 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 a State of Arizona permit. Contact the Bureau of Land Management’s Kingman Field Office for regulatory questions. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and leave natural features undisturbed.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Mount Nutt 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
- 35.1031, -114.3584
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 6′ 11.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 114° 21′ 30.1″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Mount Nutt Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
At 5,216 feet, Mount Nutt presides over a colorful and wild terrain encompassing eight miles of the central and highest portion of the Black Mountains. Along the main ridgeline you'll find prominent mesas...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.103, -114.358
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Mount Nutt Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Mount Nutt Wilderness
Volcanic terrain in the Black Mountains
Mount Nutt Wilderness protects 28,080 acres in Mohave County, Arizona, covering an eight-mile stretch of the central and highest Black Mountains. It lies 15 miles west of Kingman and 12 miles east of Bullhead City. Nutt Mountain rises to 5,216 feet above a landscape of prominent mesas, steep canyon mazes, and large volcanic plugs. Elevations drop to about 2,200 feet near the wilderness boundary, giving the area substantial relief. Hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, photography, and rock scrambling are all ways to explore it, but the terrain is extremely rugged. This is an undeveloped setting rather than an accessible recreation site. Morning and evening light bring out the shapes and colors of the volcanic landforms, making photography a useful focus for a carefully paced outing.
Plan for heat, scarce water, and rough travel
Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees, making heat a central trip-planning concern. Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30, though a cooler-season visit still requires preparation for desert travel. Carry all the water needed for the trip; scattered springs should not be treated as a dependable resupply plan. Purify any water collected in the wilderness. A few old vehicle ways provide hiking routes, but sand washes are the most commonly used corridors through the area. Bighorn sheep and burro trails can sometimes be followed on the uplands. These features do not remove the challenges of navigating steep, maze-like terrain. Carry navigation tools, allow time for slow progress, and choose an outing that leaves enough water and energy for the return.
Wildlife, land boundaries, and wilderness rules
Desert bighorn sheep inhabit Mount Nutt Wilderness, while scattered springs support small oases of cottonwoods, willows, and oaks. Give wildlife space and avoid disturbing these limited water sources. Some land within and around the wilderness is not federally administered, including a private parcel in the western portion; do not cross or use it without permission. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles and OHVs, are generally prohibited in federal wilderness. 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 a State of Arizona permit. Contact the Bureau of Land Management’s Kingman Field Office for regulatory questions. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and leave natural features undisturbed.
Route options
- Cave Spring Trail
A hiking option within Mount Nutt Wilderness, with Cave Spring Access providing a vehicle-accessible starting point for exploring the area. Confirm the trail alignment and current conditions with the Kingman Field Office before setting out; prepare for the wilderness’s rugged terrain and scarce water.
- Twin Springs Trail
A hiking option within the wilderness, approached via the four-wheel-drive Twin Springs Access. Carry all needed water rather than relying on springs, and confirm the trail alignment before committing to an outing.
- Sand washes and old vehicle waysExtremely rugged terrain
Sand washes are the most commonly used hiking corridors, and a few old vehicle ways offer additional route possibilities. These are terrain-based options rather than a single defined itinerary. Plan navigation carefully through the steep canyon maze and respect nonfederal land boundaries.
Sample itineraries
- Cave Spring Access Day Hike · 1 day
Start at the rock-lined parking area on Guthrie Road, accessible by any vehicle. Plan a conservative out-and-back hike suited to your navigation skills in this rugged terrain. Carry all drinking water and leave time for photography of the volcanic landscape.
- Twin Springs Access Exploration · 1 day
Use a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach Twin Springs trailhead parking along the wilderness boundary. Continue on foot for a self-directed day among sand washes and volcanic landforms. Choose a turnaround based on terrain, water supply, and daylight rather than a summit objective.
- Black Mountains Overnight · 2 days
Plan a self-directed backpacking trip from a confirmed legal access point. Use sand washes and old vehicle ways where suitable, camp on durable ground, and return the next day. Carry water for the entire trip; scattered springs are not a dependable resupply plan. Check land ownership before choosing a route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Early spring through April 30
This falls within the more moderate temperature period. Rugged terrain and scarce water still demand conservative plans. Carry all water needed rather than relying on springs.
Summer
Summer months
Daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees, and the desert climate is harsh. Heat and limited water make strenuous hiking and overnight trips demanding. Favor a cooler season for extended travel.
Fall
October 1 onward
Temperatures become more moderate during this part of fall. Plan hikes and photography around available daylight, with enough water for the full outing. Cooler conditions do not simplify the steep canyon terrain.
Winter
Winter months
Winter lies within the October 1–April 30 period of more moderate temperatures. Check the forecast and carry layers appropriate to an outing spanning desert washes and higher terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Early spring through April 30 | This falls within the more moderate temperature period. Rugged terrain and scarce water still demand conservative plans. Carry all water needed rather than relying on springs. |
| Summer | Summer months | Daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees, and the desert climate is harsh. Heat and limited water make strenuous hiking and overnight trips demanding. Favor a cooler season for extended travel. |
| Fall | October 1 onward | Temperatures become more moderate during this part of fall. Plan hikes and photography around available daylight, with enough water for the full outing. Cooler conditions do not simplify the steep canyon terrain. |
| Winter | Winter months | Winter lies within the October 1–April 30 period of more moderate temperatures. Check the forecast and carry layers appropriate to an outing spanning desert washes and higher terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Ordinary wilderness visits require no permits or passes. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit; contact the BLM Kingman Field Office. Recreation on nearby Arizona state trust land requires a state permit.
Fees: Visiting Mount Nutt Wilderness is free.
Official source: Mount Nutt Wilderness - Arizona - Bureau of Land Management · Verified November 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Summer daytime temperatures exceed 100 degrees. Heat exposure is a serious concern during strenuous travel.
- Water is relatively scarce. Carry all water needed for the trip and purify any water found.
- Extremely rugged terrain includes steep, maze-like canyons. Navigation and progress can be difficult; do not assume washes or animal trails provide an easy through-route.
- Rock scrambling adds fall risk in steep terrain. Turn back before reaching ground beyond your ability.
- Twin Springs access requires four-wheel drive. Choose Cave Spring access if traveling in a vehicle unsuitable for that approach.
What to pack for Mount Nutt Wilderness
- All water needed for the planned trip
- Water treatment for any water found
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Topographic map showing wilderness and property boundaries
- Compass and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Footwear suited to rugged washes and rocky terrain
- Shelter and sleeping gear appropriate to the forecast
- Warm layers
- Food for the full trip
- Waste pack-out bags
- Binoculars or camera
Mount Nutt Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Mount Nutt Wilderness?
- It covers 28,080 acres in Mohave County, Arizona, 15 miles west of Kingman and 12 miles east of Bullhead City. It encompasses eight miles of the central Black Mountains, with mesas, steep canyons, and volcanic plugs. Its namesake mountain reaches 5,216 feet.
- Which access point suits a regular vehicle?
- Cave Spring access can be reached by any vehicle. From Highway 68, follow Estrella Road south to Shinarump Drive, then continue to Guthrie Road and the small rock-lined parking area. Twin Springs access requires four-wheel drive.
- Are there easy, established hiking routes?
- The terrain is extremely rugged. A few old vehicle ways provide hiking routes, but sand washes are the most commonly used routes. Animal trails can sometimes be followed on uplands. Expect self-directed navigation rather than a straightforward maintained-trail outing.
- Can springs supply drinking water?
- Do not rely on them. Scattered springs sustain cottonwood, willow, and oak oases, but water is relatively scarce. Carry everything needed for the trip and purify any water found.
- Are bicycles or off-highway vehicles allowed inside?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles and OHVs, are generally prohibited within the wilderness. Vehicle approaches lead to access points, not permission to drive inside. Contact the Kingman Field Office for regulatory questions.
- Can a hiking route cross private land?
- Some land within and around the wilderness is not federally administered, including a private parcel in the western portion. Do not cross or use these lands without the owner's permission. Check ownership when planning routes and camps.