Maricopa County Adds Vulture Mountains to its Park System

8 min readApr 5, 2019

Maricopa County has added another park to its regional system. Located near Wickenburg, the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area is just a little over one thousand acres in size. Once developed, the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area will offer a mix of recreational opportunities such as non-motorized multi-use trails, motorized trails (excludes rock crawling), Off-Highway Vehicle staging, picnic opportunities, a variety of camping opportunities, a nature/education center for interpretive programs, and much more.

Interested in exploring more? Maricopa County has 11 additional regional parks for you to enjoy.

1. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Located on the west side of the Valley, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is currently the largest regional park in Maricopa County at nearly 30,000 acres. White Tank gets its name from the large white granite depressions, or tanks, formed by water runoff. Journals dating back to 1863 refer to a large “white tank” that was the only water source for 20 to 30 miles for early travelers. This tank was destroyed by heavy rains causing the collapse of the cliff above the tank, and the exact location remains a mystery. During the rainy season, you may be able to spot the running waterfall on Waterfall Trail, which flows into several smaller tanks. Additional recreation opportunities include horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and much more!

2. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the county. Located on the northwest side of the Valley, this park is one of the most popular areas to enjoy during the summer. While most visitors enjoy water activities such as boating, fishing, camping and swimming, the park also offers a wide variety of trails, wildlife viewing, interpretive programs and an amazing Discovery Center to ensure you have the most “pleasant” visit possible. Grab a swimming suit and head down to the lake!

3. Hassayampa River Preserve

The Preserve is one of the most unique places in Maricopa County. The river starts as Groom Creek in the Bradshaw Mountains and is a typical mountain stream; however, when the water reaches the valley floor, it disappears under the sand and gravel until it converges with the Gila River. Within the Preserve, the crystal clear water flows above the ground. This geological fact led to its naming, Hassayampa, which can be translated from the native Yavapai language as “the upside-down” river. It’s also home to almost 300 different species of birds, three miles of walking trails, and a Visitor Center in a historic abode ranch house! Enjoy exploring the scenery of the Preserve on a self-guided tour.

4. Cave Creek Regional Park

This park was once filled with gold seekers in the 1870s. Located in northern Phoenix, it features guided hikes with an interpretive ranger. You can also explore the Clay Mine where homesteaders once used the clay for medicinal purposes and sold it to the locals. Looking for a true getaway? The Go John Trail is the perfect trail to hike when you have the urge for seclusion.

5. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

If you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, you will enjoy visiting this more than 21,000 acre park. Located on the northeastern side of the Valley, McDowell Mountain Regional Park has more than 80 miles of multi-use trails. It is the most popular location for mountain bikers due to the natural granite trails and the competitive track to test their skills. It is also a great place to spot deer, javelinas, birds and coyotes. And, if you’re really lucky, you might spot a badger.

6. Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Estrella Mountain Regional Park, the first park in Maricopa County’s regional park system, is located in the southwest Valley. Although it is found near the meeting of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers, the majority of it remains desert. The Sierra Estrella range, or Star Mountains, was within the border of Mexico until the land was purchased in 1853! The park recently received several new ramadas, a nature themed super playground, picnic tables, grills, and a walking path which make it the perfect place for a family outing!

7. Adobe Dam Regional Park

Adobe Dam Regional Park is located in north Phoenix. This park has many facilities including Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, 500 Club Championship Golf Course, Saguaro Central, Kart Racing and Model Pilot Society. It is a great place to enjoy different outdoor activities as a family.

8. Buckeye Hills Regional Park

Located in the southwest Valley, this park is known for its public shooting range, the General Joe Foss Shooting Complex. The range offers a 200 yard range as well as trap, skeet and archery.

9. San Tan Mountain Regional Park

San Tan Mountain Regional Park is located in the southeast Valley in the lower Sonoran Desert. The vegetation changes from creosote flats to dense saguaro forest with wildlife such as reptiles, birds and mammals. The park also has a Visitor Center with a retail shop, wildlife exhibits and a Desert Tortoise habitat.

10. Usery Mountain Regional Park

Usery Mountain Regional Park is located on the Valley’s east side. This 3,648 acre park contains a large variety of plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran Desert home. Visitors can enjoy a hike on the Wind Cave Trail where water seeps from the roof of the alcove to support hanging gardens of Rock Daisy. It is one of the park’s most popular trails. And be prepared to enjoy beautiful and breath-taking views once you reach the 2,840 foot elevation. Additional amenities include a Nature Center with wildlife exhibits and gift shop, campground, outdoor fitness station, archery range and more.

11. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

This conservation area is located in the north Valley and made up of diverse, rugged upper Sonoran Desert. The area contains fascinating archaeological sites and lush riparian areas along Cave Creek wash, which flows throughout the conservation area during the winter The conservation area is a “must see” for wildflower lovers during the spring. In addition, the abundance of vegetation present in the conservation area provides a rich habitat for a diverse assemblage of wildlife.