News - Details

In 2022, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation (Parks) broke ground on Phase I of the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area in the far west valley outside Wickenburg. Phase I focused on roadway improvements, utilities, and infrastructure. This spring, Parks has begun working on Phases II and III, which include day-use facilities such as a nature center, picnic sites, trailhead access, parking, and campground facilities.

“This is a really exciting project for our community,” stated Supervisor Debbie Lesko, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 4. “Having onsite amenities such as a nature center and outdoor amphitheater for park programs provides visitors an opportunity to learn more about the plants and wildlife found in the area. The site will also feature a nature-themed playground with shade structures and picnic tables so kids can explore their surroundings safely.”

“In 2012, Parks applied for a Recreation or Public Purpose (RP&P) status for the land to the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for approximately 1,046 acres. The intent was to secure the land for recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, and off-highway vehicle staging. In 2018, we submitted a detailed plan for the project's development. Phase I is completed and now we are starting on Phases II and III, which focus on the camping and day-use facilities, such as a nature center,” stated Jennifer Waller, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director. 

The phases focus on:

Phase II:

• A single story Nature Center with 43 parking spaces, three RV pull-through spaces, seven picnic tables with shade structures, and 11 additional parking spaces
• Four-tier concrete outdoor amphitheater
• Nature-themed playground with restrooms, picnic tables, shade structures, and ample parking,
• An equestrian day-use staging area with approximately 30 angled parking spaces
• A trailhead that connects to BLM’s extensive trail system. The trailhead area will contain eight picnic tables and shade structures, along with a 66-space parking area, including three additional pull-through RV spaces
• Maintenance facility and MCSO offices
• Water well drilling and storage tank installation

Phase III:

• Eighty RV campsites and four volunteer host sites
• Five restrooms with shower facilities
• An area with walk-in tent sites with a restroom/shower facility
• Equestrian/group campground area available by reservation only with a restroom/shower facility
• RV Dump station

The internal partnership between Maricopa County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and Parks project will continue through Phases II and III as Parks relies on MCDOT’s expertise to oversee construction. To learn more about Phases II and III of the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area project, visit https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/vulture-mountain-recreation-area/park-information/park-projects/. Project updates will be posted at this location when available. Parks estimates construction for the phases to last through Fall 2026, pending unforeseen delays.