About New Water Mountains Wilderness
The 24,600-acre New Water Mountains Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the New Water Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109-million-acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964.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 follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differ in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains).Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters.Contact the agency for more information about regulations. Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.
How to Get There
The New Water Mountains Wilderness Area is located east of Quartzsite, just south of I-10 and just north of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in La Paz County.The western boundary of the wilderness can be accessed from I-10 at the Gold Nugget Road exit (#26). Taking the exit for State Route 60 (#31) and then turning right onto Ramsey Mine Road gives access to the northern boundary.Due to infrequent maintenance and the wide range of road conditions that you might encounter, it is strongly recommended that high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are used for access to the wilderness boundary.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to New Water Mountains Wilderness
Heading to New Water Mountains 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 New Water Mountains Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for New Water Mountains Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13437) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to New Water Mountains Wilderness?
The New Water Mountains Wilderness Area is located east of Quartzsite, just south of I-10 and just north of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in La Paz County.The western boundary of the wilderness can be accessed from I-10 at the Gold Nugget Road exit (#26). Taking the exit for State Route 60 (#31) and then turning right onto Ramsey Mine Road gives access to the northern boundary.Due to infrequen…
How do I contact New Water Mountains Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: (928) 317-3200 or email: blm_az_yfoweb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
