The Mohawk Mountains are located in the Barry Goldwater Military Reservation in southwest Arizona. These rugged desert mountains rise sharply above the desert landscape between the cities of Yuma and Gila Bend. Interstate 8 crosses the Mohawk Mountains at Mohawk Pass. The spire-like Point 1975 is located just north of the pass, and is the most recognizable feature in the Mohawk Mountains. Mohawk Peak is the range highpoint, and rises to an elevation of 2,775' near Glyn Falls. There are no other named peaks in the range.

Because the mountains are located on a military reservation, the Mohawk Mountains see few visitors. The roads into the reservation are rough and primitive, and maps are not entirely accurate. Venturing into this area requires some patience and route finding skills. With a summit elevation of less than 3,000', Mohawk Peak ranks near the bottom of the Arizona Elevation List. But the new field of Prominence has made Mohawk Peak a more important mountain. With a prominence of 2,135', it’s just big enough to make an appearance on the Arizona Prominence Map.

Getting There

From Tacna on Interstate 8, drive east to Mile Marker 48. A short distance past this marker, you will see a dirt road on the right leading south. An unlocked gate is across the road here. This gate is marked by spot elevation 343 on the topo map. Go through the gate, and drive south. After about one mile, you will come to the Goldwater Range sign marked by spot elevation 355 on the topo map. Turn left, and start driving east. Your goal is to get to this point, which is marked by spot elevation 491. The topo map is accurate to this point. There is an old gate at this spot elevation about 200' off the road. You will probably see a few tire tracks leading to this gate. Drive through the gate and start driving south on the road. This road is not marked on the topo map. The topo map does show a 4WD road further east that also leads south, but it is much rougher. However, either road will work.

Drive south on the road. It was sandy in spots, but much better than the 4WD road marked on the topo map. After about 7-8 miles, this road will turn east and intersect the 4WD road at a road marker designated as G1W. Turn right, and start driving south on the 4WD road, also known as the Mohawk-Papago Well Road. This road has a lot of ruts in it. After about ¾-mile, you will start to see some tire tracks heading off to the left towards the mountains. Your goal is to get near the number 36 shown on the topo map. The off road driving required to get there is pretty easy for a high clearance vehicle. There is more than one set of tire tracks leading into this area. Just drive in and park at an appropriate place. The elevation here is about 650'.

Red Tape

Entry into the Goldwater Range is by permit only. The permit is free. See the external link for contact information.

Camping

Primitive camping is allowed on the Goldwater Range.

External Links

Goldwater Range Information

Arizona Prominence Map

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