Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area

Values

The 59,100-acre Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area is 15 miles southeast of Parker, and three miles north of Bouse, Arizona in La Paz County. The Wilderness Study Area embraces the western two-thirds of the Cactus Plain, an immense open area of stabilized and semi-stabilized sand dunes, unique in western Arizona. Dunes vary in type and color from west to east. Recreation such as backpacking, day hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding, and botanical and wildlife study are enhanced by varying dune topography, colors, and vegetation.

Visitation Information

From Phoenix, travel west on Interstate 10 about 100 miles to Exit 45 Vicksburg Road. Travel north to Vicksburg, then northwest on State Route 72 to Bouse about 28 miles from I-10. At Bouse take the Swansea Road north to the southeastern boundary of the WSA. To the northern WSA boundary, turn east from State Route 95 just south of Parker, Arizona on to Shea Road and travel about 11 miles. Both of these routes take you within walking distance of the WSA boundary.

Visitor Advisory

All WSA lands are federally administered. Some lands surrounding the WSA are not. Respect property rights: cross or use these lands only with landowner permission. Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense. Avoid traveling outside of well-marked roads and routes without accurate information. Cell phone service is often unavailable in remote areas.