Small parking area at the base of Castle Rock’s distinctive spire in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The trailhead serves a moderate 2-mile hike to the summit with solid 360-degree views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. No facilities here – just a small cleared area with room for maybe 6-8 vehicles and a trail register.
Access road is decent graded dirt for the first few miles, then gets rougher with some embedded rock. High-clearance recommended, especially after storms. Popular spot for desert photographers and hikers escaping the Quartzsite crowds.
Desert hiking with dramatic rock formations
Place Details
| Type | Trailhead |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Yuma, AZ |
| Miles from pavement | 18.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 8 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | October-April |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |