The Base of Malpais Mesa

Trail Overview

This trail is generally easy and takes you from the highway to the base of the Mesa. The end of the trail is a flat spot where one or two vehicles could camp and then continue to explore on foot. Desert plants are abundant in the area from dense Joshua tree growths to a massive variety of cacti, many of them hiding in the shadows of larger bushy plants. There are plenty of saguaro and different barrel cacti too. Wild burros and cattle roam the area. This is restricted land, so be sure to get your Arizona Land Trust permit before entering. This specific section also has a sign-in box at the entrance, so be sure to sign in and out. The trail is mostly easy and narrow with sharp plants that may cause paint damage. Some sections are narrow and washed out and may be difficult to pass with a full-size vehicle. Otherwise, there are short hill climbs and slight off-camber sections. Some dispersed camping spots are along the way. There's 1 bar of LTE in and out.

Photos of The Base of Malpais Mesa

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Difficulty

This trail is mostly easy with some narrow sections and off-camber sections, as well as small sections of sand.

Technical Rating