Cabeza Prieta Wilderness

[TerryC]

I recently visited the Cabeza Prieta Wilderness, also called the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in southwest AZ. When entering from the west, you must first cross the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. Early in the morning I came to a fork and asked for directions...


OOPS, it's only a manikin, erected by the troops, pointing the way!


There is an antelope herd here but I saw none this day.


I found many of these. I can't remember their name.... anyone?


And Cabeza Prieta Peak in the backround.


Getting close to sunset the first day.


And a beautiful sunset only God gives away..... FREE!
╦╦C

 

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[A2coins]

Awesome pics looks like paradise

 

[TerryC]

Awesome pics looks like paradise

Yes! Paradise. VERY safe place to be, actually, considering how close to the border. Two jets screamed by only 100 feet above the desert to eyeball me. They tipped their wings to say "Hi". Many border patrols going by all day. And... several "lookout" cameras on tall poles manned by army personnel. This portion of the border is a pretty rough ground so border crossers don't try here too much. Several graves in the desert here. I found three. One was pretty popular with many coins all over it. Some of the graves are over a hundred years old, I am told. NOT a walk in the park here. ╦╦C

 

[Rick K]

I don’t know if the rules have changed but in the early ‘90’s our group got passes to drive the whole length of the border fence track. No camping more than 20’ from the road, no campfires, various other restrictions. But what a wonderful trip.

 

[Mekong Mike]

I used to camp near the Texas border but not as pretty as Cabeza Prieta.
Beautiful pics.

 

[Gene Mean]

Awesome. Thanks for the great pics and vids. Spectacular sunset pic. Send us a sunrise if you have it.

 

[A2coins]

That would be cool Id like to detect near Area 51 I still listen to coast to coast am and the Art Bell Vault

 

[TerryC]

I don’t know if the rules have changed but in the early ‘90’s our group got passes to drive the whole length of the border fence track. No camping more than 20’ from the road, no campfires, various other restrictions. But what a wonderful trip.

Some more restrictions... ONLY 4x4 vehicles. Only foot or horseback off the Camino Del Diablo (Devil's road). Not even bicycles allowed. If you move a stone for your tent, you must replace the stone in its original spot when done. Yes! Vehicles not allowed more than 50 feet from the road. Camping is wide open, anywhere in the wilderness.... that's why I am walking in. Got a late start. Gear and water was more than 45 pounds! So didn't get far the first day. Nice petroglyphs! Camera pooped out the next day. Insidious dust here (powder-like) has destroyed second camera. Into a baggie from now on when in the desert. ALL the border patrol personnel were very professional, and courteous, making me feel safe. Brian, the NWR agent, showed me on a map where to find the glyphs. He also encouraged me to go armed. It was a fun two days. I learned I better do some "gym work" before attempting to carry in 45 pounds of STUFF next time, though. ╦╦C

 

[old digger]

I believe your item in the third photo is the seed pod to the Devils Claw plant.

 

[TerryC]

I believe your item in the third photo is the seed pod to the Devils Claw plant.

Thanks for the help! They are everywhere in the CP Wilderness. ╦╦C

 

[TerryC]

The pic of Cabeza Prieta Peak shows how aptly named the peak is. Cabeza Prieta means brown head in Spanish. ╦╦C

 

[tamrock]

Gorgeous sunset.

 

[RGINN]

Yeah, those are devil's claw seed pods. Lots in SW Oklahoma.

 

[WannaDig3687]

Excellent post, Terry! loved the videos and the pics!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Beautiful area!