Parker Needles Wagon Road

In the early days of this desert region, a major route for travelers between Parker, Arizona, and Needles, California, was the historic Parker Needles Wagon Road. This rugged road skirts the western edge of the Whipple Mountains Wilderness, providing scenic views and several intersecting trails to explore. Many of the trails lead to the abandoned mines that were part of the Whipple Mining District. One of these mines, the American Eagle Mine, is very close to the road where some of its structures still stand. 

This road is rugged, transitioning from gravel to large rocky sections and through narrow, steep-walled sandy washes. Trail markers are sprinkled along the entire length of the road to help with navigation. An experienced driver in a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle will be needed to transition the length of this road.

Abundant existing dispersed campsites are spaced over the entire route. More dispersed camping can also be found following the spurs leading to the several mines near the trail, especially over the south-east half of the trail. One of the best campsites on the trail in a narrow valley is located about one mile past the intersection of Pyramid Peak Rd NS660.

This is a remote area with spotty cell phone coverage, and drivers exploring the area should carry adequate water, be equipped for self-rescue, and notify family/friends of their travel plans.