About East Cactus Plain Wilderness
The 14,630-acre East Cactus Plain Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is about 10 miles north of Bouse, Arizona in La Paz County. In 1990, the East Cactus Plain Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964.The wilderness includes the eastern third of the Cactus Plain. It is dominated by an intricate crescent dune topography and dense dune scrub vegetation known only from this area in Arizona. The plant community is unique in its denseness and species diversity.Recreational opportunities include horseback riding and backpacking trips, sightseeing, photography, and botanical and wildlife study. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
How to Get There
From Phoenix, travel west along Interstate 10 to the Vicksburg exit. Drive north to Vicksburg, then northwest on State Route 72, proceeding to Bouse. At Bouse take the Swansea Road north. Roads near the wilderness include Swansea Road on the southeast and a power-line maintenance road on the northeast, which will take you within walking distance of the wilderness boundary.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to East Cactus Plain Wilderness
Heading to East Cactus Plain Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for East Cactus Plain Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for East Cactus Plain Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13385) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to East Cactus Plain Wilderness?
From Phoenix, travel west along Interstate 10 to the Vicksburg exit. Drive north to Vicksburg, then northwest on State Route 72, proceeding to Bouse. At Bouse take the Swansea Road north. Roads near the wilderness include Swansea Road on the southeast and a power-line maintenance road on the northeast, which will take you within walking distance of the wilderness boundary.
How do I contact East Cactus Plain Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: 928-505-1200 or email: BLM_AZ_LHFOWeb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
