Can you reserve a site at Margies Cove East Trailhead?

No. Margies Cove East Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Margies Cove East Trailhead, Arizona — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Margies Cove Trail is a near level, 9-mile route through the heart of the 63,200-acre North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness within the Sonoran Desert National Monument.

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.

Margies Cove Trail follows a combination of former vehicle tracks and wide, unmarked desert washes. No trail signage or directional markers are available along the route; therefore, this trail is recommended only for experienced hikers skilled in reading topographic maps. Margies Cove Trail intersects the northern terminus of the Brittlebush Trail in the interior of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness.

Hours and Seasons

Trail can be used year-round; however, it is recommended for use from late October through mid-April. At other times of the year, the trail is seldom used due to high temperatures.

Summer temperatures may often exceed 110°F. 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.

Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service may be unreliable. There is no public internet or Wi-Fi.

Pets: Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Pack out all waste.

Safety and Conditions

You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire.

While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site.

Expect potential hazards such as venomous snakes, extreme heat, and flash floods. Be prepared for changes in weather and stay informed on weather warning alerts. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.

Respect and Protect

The area is home to many species of wildlife. Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by leaving no trace during your visit.

Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.

Report crimes to resources including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.

Getting there

To reach Margies Cove East from State Route 238, turn north onto BLM Route 8002. Continue on Route 8002 for about 6.6 miles and turn left onto Route 8002A toward Margies Cove East. The road ends in about 1.6 miles at the trailhead. High clearance is recommended.

You can also reach the Margies Cove Trail from Margies Cove West Trailhead.

33.07771, -112.47030 · 33°4'39.8"N 112°28'13.1"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Official map for this area

Typical weather

Typically 109°F in Jul, down to 70°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	71	75	82	90	98	107	109	109	104	93	80	70
Low °F	41	44	49	55	63	72	81	81	74	60	48	40
Precip in	0.8	0.9	0.7	0.3	0.3	0.1	0.6	0.9	0.3	0.4	0.5	0.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area. It is free. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more information about special recreation permits. Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona. Visits to the Sand Tank Mountains, located south of Interstate 8, require a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit. Permits are only available online and not at the local BLM office.

Stay limit: Most of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Margies Cove East Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Margies Cove East Trailhead?: No. Margies Cove East Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How long can you stay at Margies Cove East Trailhead?: Most of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.

Camping near Margies Cove East Trailhead

Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground 33.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area 3.8 mi · Facility
Brittlebush Trailhead 6.6 mi · Facility
Margies Cove West Trailhead 7.3 mi · Facility
Margies Cove West Campground 7.3 mi · Campground
South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area 11.3 mi · Facility
Gila Bend Visitor Center 17.6 mi · Visitor Center
Box Canyon Recreational Shooting Site 19 mi · Facility
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site and Campground 33.5 mi · Campground
Hotel San Carlos 34.5 mi · Facility
West Valley Art Museum 40 mi · Facility
Challenger Learning Center of Arizona 43.5 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-30.

Margies Cove East Trailhead