About Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area
The 59,100-acre Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area is 15 miles southeast of Parker, and three miles north of Bouse, Arizona, in La Paz County. The wilderness study area embraces the western two-thirds of the Cactus Plain, an immense open area of stabilized and semi-stabilized sand dunes, unique in western Arizona. Dunes vary in type and color from west to east. Recreation such as backpacking, day hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding, and botanical and wildlife study are enhanced by varying dune topography, colors, and vegetation. All wilderness study area lands are federally administered. Some lands surrounding the wilderness study area are not. Respect property rights: cross or use these lands only with landowner permission. Know where you are always, follow good safety practices, and use common sense. Avoid traveling outside of well-marked roads and routes without accurate information. Cell phone service is often unavailable in remote areas.
How to Get There
From Phoenix, travel west on Interstate 10 about 100 miles to Exit 45 Vicksburg Road. Travel north to Vicksburg, then northwest on State Route 72 to Bouse about 28 miles from I-10. At Bouse take the Swansea Road north to the southeastern boundary of the Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area. To the northern Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area boundary, turn east from State Route 95 just south of Parker, Arizona on to Shea Road and travel about 11 miles. Both routes take you within walking distance of the Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area boundary.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area
Heading to Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area?
No central reservation system listed for Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/10377063) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area?
From Phoenix, travel west on Interstate 10 about 100 miles to Exit 45 Vicksburg Road. Travel north to Vicksburg, then northwest on State Route 72 to Bouse about 28 miles from I-10. At Bouse take the Swansea Road north to the southeastern boundary of the Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area. To the northern Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area boundary, turn east from State Route 95 just south of Parke…
How do I contact Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-505-1200 or email: BLM_AZ_LHFOWeb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
