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Brittlebush Trail is a nearly
level, 6-mile route through the heart of the 63,200-acre North
Maricopa Mountains Wilderness. The North
Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is within the Sonoran Desert
National Monument. The North Maricopa Mountains are
a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks separated by
extensive, saguaro-studded bajadas and wide desert washes.
Cholla, ocotillo, prickly pear, paloverde, ironwood, and
Mexican jumping bean complement the thick stands of
saguaro to form classic Sonoran Desert vistas. Commonly
seen wildlife include desert mule deer, javelina, desert
bighorn sheep, coyote, desert tortoise, and numerous
varieties of lizards and birds. During wet spring months,
the hillsides adjacent to the trail are awash with
brilliant yellow blooms of the brittlebush.
Brittlebush Trail follows a
combination of former vehicle tracks and wide, unmarked
desert washes. No trail signage or directional markers are
available along the route; therefore, this trail is
recommended only for experienced hikers skilled in reading
topographic maps. The northern terminus of the Brittlebush
Trail intersects the Margie's Cove
Trail in the interior of the North Maricopa Mountains
Wilderness.
There are no facilities at
Brittlebush Trailhead. Brittlebush Trail receives
the greatest use from October through April. At other
times, the trail is little used. Always tell a friend or
relative where you are going and when you plan to return.
Drinking water is not provided at Brittlebush Trailhead,
so bring plenty. The North Maricopa Mountains are
prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to
cross flooded washes. You may encounter rattlesnakes
or other poisonous creatures; watch for them and be
careful where you put your hands and feet. Do not harass
reptiles most bites result from people playing with,
collecting or attempting to kill them. Fires are not
allowed in the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.
Brittlebush Trail is not
mapped; however, the route is depicted on the USGS
7.5-minute topographic map "Cotton Center SE,
Ariz." The remainder of the North Maricopa Mountains
Wilderness is depicted on USGS 7.5-minute topographic maps
"Butterfield Pass, Ariz.," "Margie's Peak,
Ariz.," and "Mobile NW, Ariz." For
more information, contact: Bureau of Land Management,
Phoenix Field Office, 2015 West Deer Valley Road,
Phoenix, Arizona 85027, (623) 580.5500.
Information courtesy BLM
Phoenix Field Office.
Click
here for BLM map of Sonoran Desert National Monument. |
