PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation has initiated work on Phases II and III of the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area project, located outside Wickenburg. This follows the completion of Phase I in 2022, which focused on roadway improvements and infrastructure.

Supervisor Debbie Lesko from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 4, expressed enthusiasm for the development: “This is a really exciting project for our community.” She highlighted that amenities such as a nature center and an outdoor amphitheater will provide educational opportunities about local flora and fauna. Additionally, there will be a nature-themed playground with shade structures to ensure safe exploration for children.

Jennifer Waller, Director of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, provided background on the project's origins: “In 2012, Parks applied for a Recreation or Public Purpose (RP&P) status for the land to the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for approximately 1,046 acres.” The aim was to secure land for recreational activities like hiking and camping. After submitting a detailed plan in 2018, Phase I was completed, leading to the current focus on Phases II and III.

Phase II includes constructing a single-story Nature Center with parking facilities, an outdoor amphitheater, a playground with restrooms and picnic areas, an equestrian day-use area with parking spaces, a trailhead connected to BLM’s trail system featuring additional amenities like picnic tables and parking spaces. It also involves setting up maintenance facilities and MCSO offices along with water well drilling.

Phase III plans involve creating RV campsites with volunteer host sites, restroom/shower facilities at various locations including walk-in tent sites and an equestrian/group campground area available by reservation only. An RV dump station is also part of this phase.

The project is supported by an internal partnership between Maricopa County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and Parks. Construction oversight will continue through these phases under MCDOT's guidance. More information can be found at https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/vulture-mountain-recreation-area/park-information/park-projects/. The construction is expected to last until Fall 2026 unless unforeseen delays occur.