Margies Cove West Trailhead

Margies Cove Trail is a near level, 9-mile route through the heart of the 63,200-acre North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness in the Sonoran Desert National Monument. Margies Cove Trail follows a combination of former vehicle tracks and wide, unmarked desert washes. The trail ends at the Margies Cove East Trailhead .

Margies Cove West Trailhead includes day-use parking for ten vehicles, a campground featuring three campsites with picnic tables and steel fire rings, a vault toilet, and informational signage. No trail signage or directional markers are available along the route, so this trail is recommended only for experienced hikers skilled in reading topographic maps. ” topo maps.

Margies Cove Trail intersects the northern terminus of the Brittlebush Trail in the interior of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness . Only hiking and equestrian use is allowed in wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited in wilderness.

The North Maricopa Mountains are a jumble of long ridges and isolated peaks separated by extensive, saguaro-studded bajadas and wide desert washes. Cholla, ocotillo, prickly pear, paloverde, ironwood, and Mexican jumping bean complement thick stands of saguaro to form classic Sonoran Desert vistas. Commonly seen wildlife includes desert mule deer, javelina, desert bighorn sheep, coyote, desert tortoise, and numerous varieties of lizards and birds.

Hours and Seasons Trail can be used year-round; however, it is recommended for use from November through April. At other times of the year, the trail is seldom used due to high temperatures. Summer temperatures may often reach 115 degrees.

Wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water! Features and Services Drinking Water : There is no drinking water available.

Bring plenty of water. Toilets : Accessible vault toilet onsite.