V15E9: Bonnet’s Up in Cowboy Country

On State Trust Land near Catalina, Arizona, this is at the end of a primitive road spur with a small loop on the top of a hill. There are remnants of a fire ring at one point, but there isn't much left of it. A solar farm is under construction nearby, and should be finished soon. This site offers decent privacy despite being up on a hill and exposed in a grassy desert setting. Some brush and a sandy wash. Four wheel drive required and there is room for only one vehicle. Our Winnebago Revel was able to make it. We like this spot because it feels safe and private, yet it is close to town. Good cell service. It is great for a digital nomad, but doesn't have much to offer for recreation.

This is a popular boondocking spot on State Trust Land near Catalina, Arizona. It is a couple of miles down a dirt road and is accessible by any vehicle. There is a solar farm under construction in close proximity, which should be completed soon. There is an established stone fire ring here, and enough room for a few vehicles. Cell service is pretty good. It is quiet at night, but a decent amount of traffic on the dirt road during the day. This is a useful site for a good night of sleep, but doesn't have a lot of recreational merits. Grassy desert setting with a lot of desert scrub. View of mountains to the east. We like it because it is very convenient to town and a good safe spot to spend the night.

Wonderful dispersed campsite just off of a primitive track on BLM land near Wickenburg, Arizona. Any four-wheel drive vehicle can manage this road. We got here in our Winnebago Revel with no issues. It's a rocky, mountainous section of desert with a lot of lovely vegetation, including saguaro cacti. It is nestled in a valley, overlooking an active mine to the south. This is tucked away from the the main dirt road, so privacy is very good with minimal traffic. It's not the flattest so might need to level your vehicle. Room for one or two vehicles with a primitive stone fire ring and no cell service. Castle Hot Springs Road is a very scenic dirt road with a lot of features to explore along the way. Town is about a thirty minute drive away. Recommended for privacy and adventure.

This ridge is a phenomenal spot for both adventure and productive camping. Located on BLM land, the high elevation offers great cellular connectivity. The backcountry consists of wonderful features and a lot of great four-wheel drive tracks to explore. It is only a ten minute drive from downtown Wickenburg, so you can enjoy town or go out to eat at night. It is mountainous desert with a primitive stone fire ring. Great views to the south. Although the site is located on a rugged track it is just off of a dirt road so it is accessible by any vehicle. The only issues are that there is a decent amount of recreational traffic so privacy is poor, and sometimes the wind can kick up a good amount of dust. Otherwise, it is a highly recommended site just a short drive from town.

What a wild ride this hike is! It’s not far to the top of Picacho Peak, but there is a saddle that is sort of a false summit, and then a maze of cable and chicken-wire routes protecting you from a fall, and plenty of scrambling. It’s a lot of fun, and the payoff is great!

On our way through Phoenix, Shannon was like, “I want fry bread.” So we ended up here. It’s a lovely strip mall Mexican joint with delicious food and a great atmosphere. They take pride in their food here, and it seemed popular with the locals. Great place to stop for a bite!