About Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness
The Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness (18,790 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The 18,790-acre Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness is about 10 miles northeast of Parker, Arizona, in La Paz County.The wilderness includes the western end of the Buckskin Mountains. The area from Giers Mountain in the north to Gibraltar Mountain in the south consists of rugged volcanic rock dissected by deep, sandy washes and rocky canyons. The eroded volcanic tuff beds contain many alcoves and caves. The area presents an interesting challenge for hiking and horseback riding. Varied topography, steep canyon walls, and colorful strata make the area attractive for rock climbing, day hiking, sightseeing, and photography.In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
How to Get There
From Phoenix, travel west on Interstate 10 to the Quartzite exit. Proceed north on Arizona State Route 95 toward Parker, Arizona, to State Route 72. Turn west on 72 towards Parker. Two miles south of Parker turn east onto Shea Road and follow this paved road for 5 miles. Roads near the wilderness include a powerline road on the northeast, Cienega Springs road on the west, and a mining road on the south. High clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for access to the wilderness boundary.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness
Heading to Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness? 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 Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13392) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness?
From Phoenix, travel west on Interstate 10 to the Quartzite exit. Proceed north on Arizona State Route 95 toward Parker, Arizona, to State Route 72. Turn west on 72 towards Parker. Two miles south of Parker turn east onto Shea Road and follow this paved road for 5 miles. Roads near the wilderness include a powerline road on the northeast, Cienega Springs road on the west, and a mining road on the …
How do I contact Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-505-1200 or email: BLM_AZ_LHFOWeb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
