BURRO
CREEK
Near
Wickenburg
 |
| Picking our way through the willows |
 |
| Route passes under Burro Creek Bridge on US93 |
Betcha
haven’t hiked THIS one. Burro Creek is a 23-mile-long desert
waterway located in the rugged and remote Bureau of Land Management
wilderness north of Wickenburg. There’s no “official”
trail--just follow the creek. Conditions vary according to water
levels. In dry times, it’s possible to hike for miles without
getting wet feet. However during periods of heavy rain and snowmelt,
wading is required. The area is known for its active wildlife
including beavers, javalina, shore birds and the marauding herds of
wild burros for which the creek is named. Soaring copper-colored
cliffs, mesquite-cottonwood forests, expansive desert views and the
graceful arch of Burro Creek Bridge round out the sights. Private
properties owners in the area guard their turf jealously. As long as
you park in the Burro Creek Campground and stick to hiking in the
creek bed, you’re legal.
 |
| Winter hike on Burro Creek |
LENGTH:
6-9 miles round trip (without bush whacking and wading)
RATING:
difficult
ELEVATION:
1,960
– 2,100 feet
DISTANCE
FROM PHOENIX:
114 miles 1-way. Roads are paved up to the last 1.5 miles, and
passable by sedan.
GETTING
THERE:
In Wickenburg at the intersection of US60 and US93, go north on US93
for 59 miles to the turnoff for Burro Creek campground—between
mileposts 140 and 141. Turn left (west) onto the campground access
road and continue 1.5 miles to the parking lot. Facilities include
restrooms and running water.
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