WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
High Clearance possible when dry
To NE Chain Gate Trailhead From Phoenix, head west on I-10 toward LA. From Tonopah exit 94, travel another 13 miles and exit Salome road (Harquahala Valley Rd.) exit 81. Head south and immediately turn west onto Harquahala Valley Rd. which quickly curves to the south.
Drive south for 5.5 miles to Centennial/Courthouse Rd. Turn right (west) onto a dirt, Centennial Rd. and continue for 7 miles to the intersection with El Paso Gas pipeline Rd. Turn SE and follow the pipeline for 0.5 mile to 33.4612 -113.2745. Turn right (south) and drive for 0.5 mile to an intersection.
South progress is blocked by a chain stretched across the path, spanning two poles. Turn left (east) looking for a place to park. We parked on the south side of the road, just east of the chain at 33.4535 -113.2741. Anywhere in this vicinity is a good starting point. These are nice dirt roads, an AWD sedan with ground clearance will easily make it to our parking spot. The closer one gets to the wilderness boundary, more sand is encountered. 2WD is probably ok as we were in a Toyota 4Runner and never put it in 4WD.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 1h 22m - 81 miles From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 2h 54m - 188 miles From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 3h 18m - 210 miles (Trailhead is generic)
Route Editor
Route Scout
