Buckeye Hills Mining Road

The Buckeye Hills Mining Road threads through a forgotten corner of Arizona’s copper boom era, where rusted headframes and tailings piles dot the saguaro-studded landscape between Phoenix and the Colorado River. This network of mining roads connects old claims and prospects dating back to the 1900s, when copper was king and every hill seemed to hide fortune. You’ll pass the remnants of the old Buckeye Mine and several smaller diggings, with sweeping views across the Sonoran Desert to the distant Harquahala Mountains.

This is easy to moderate terrain suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, with optional technical sections if you want to explore deeper into the mining areas. Spring is prime time when the desert blooms, but avoid summer unless you’re a heat enthusiast. No permits required for the main routes, and water is scarce so pack plenty. The network offers excellent dispersed camping among the saguaros. You’re exploring a slice of Arizona’s mining heritage while surrounded by some of the most iconic desert scenery in North America.