Vulture Mountains Recreation Area moves into next phases of revitalization

New day-use facilities are coming to the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area in the far West Valley.

Mar 16, 2025, 6:30 AM

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PHOENIX — New day-use facilities are coming to the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area in the far West Valley.

Maricopa County Parks announced on Wednesday that crews have begun working on phases two and three of the revitalization project for the rec area located southwest of Wickenburg.

The first phase, which began in 2022, focused on improving roadways, utilities and infrastructure.

Phases two and three will add day-use facilities such as a nature center, picnic sites, trailhead access, parking and campground facilities, Parks said.

“This is a really exciting project for our community,” Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko said in a Wednesday news release. “Having onsite amenities such as a nature center and outdoor amphitheater for park programs provides visitors an opportunity to learn more about the plants and wildlife found in the area. The site will also feature a nature-themed playground with shade structures and picnic tables so kids can explore their surroundings safely.”

What else is coming to Vulture Mountains Recreation Area?

Phase two will feature:

A one-story nature center with 43 parking spaces, three RV pull-through spaces, seven picnic tables with shade structures and 11 additional parking spaces.
Four-tier concrete outdoor amphitheater.
Nature-themed playground with restrooms, picnic tables, shade structures and parking.
An equestrian day-use staging area with about 30 angled parking spaces.
A trailhead that connects to the Bureau of Land Management’s trail system. The trailhead area will contain eight picnic tables and shade structures, along with a 66-space parking area, including three additional pull-through RV spaces.
Maintenance facility and Maricopa County Sheriffs offices.
Water well drilling and storage tank installation.

Phase three will feature:

Eighty RV campsites and four volunteer host sites.
Five restrooms with shower facilities.
An area with walk-in tent sites with a restroom/shower facility.
Equestrian/group campground area available by reservation only with a restroom/shower facility.
RV dump station.

Officials with Maricopa County Parks expect construction for phase two and three to be done by the end of Fall 2026. Once construction wraps up, officials will launch the final phase of the project.