Tucked in between Interstate 40 and Arizona SR 93 is a beautiful desert place to hike called Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. There are 11,300 acres of land out there with scenic views, desert wildlife and hiking trails for most levels of hiker.
Just a hop, skip and a jump from scenic Route 66 area in Kingman you can visit this desert land to enjoy a little quiet trail time.
Seeking Out Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area
I discovered this park when I first moved to the North West corner of Arizona. Recently moved from California, I was craving some hiking in a bad way! I opened my Alltrails app, searched for area hikes and planned to head out that Friday morning. That was January 2020.
It had been a few months since being out to Cerbat Foothills. I began a thru-hike of the AZT March 2020 yet when the stay at home requests were placed due to Covid-19 my thru-hike as well as much of my hiking stopped. I waited to venture out until Arizona started to open back up again.
Hiking and Wildlife at Cerbat Foothills Rec Area
Heading out that Friday morning in May 2020 I was a bit anxious, was the parking lot going to be full? Will I have to turn around if it is? With Covid-19 playing a vital role in our everyday life I had to take in consideration crowded trails. It was happening elsewhere why not here?
As I drive around the bend there were 2 cars parked in the dirt lot. TWO! Woo hoo! I’ve seen more parked there in the past and even then I saw no other hikers on the trails I walked.
I was good to go! HIKE ON!
Start of the Monolith Garden Trail 
Cattle gates
Donning my very useful yet not so flattering desert attire of REI Bermuda style shorts, ankle high Darn Tough socks, a sun hat, my favorite Buff, bright blue Brook’s Trail Runners and an almost glowing orange tank top, the sunblock rounded out the fact that I smelled like I meant to do some serious hiking that day. (I wasn’t, it was beginning to get hot in the region so a quick 3.5 miles in the early morning was all I spared.)
The hike started with a rise in elevation, yet not much. Thereafter depending on the trail you choose you can hit the flat terrain or rocky hills. Today I decided to take it easy and enjoy a slow morning with slight hills and some flat regions.
As I walked I was thankful for my wide brimmed hat. Though it was only hitting 80 F that morning the sun bakes down on you, there is little shade here. I hiked 3.5 miles, any longer and my long sleeve shirt would have been essential as well.
At about mile 2.5 I stopped at the foot of a small cliff, it was the first shade I came across. I grabbed water and an energy bar for a snack. As I sat I realized something – since it became quiet and nobody else was about, the birds came out. Not just a few – 100’s!
A male Gambel’s Quail began his song about 50 yards in front of me at the top of a branch of a small tree. I could hear a mourning dove behind me to my right. Small birds fluttered about on the ground and in the bushes. They could have been finch or wren, I’m not sure. The birds reminded me of how much wildlife exists in this harsh area.
But wait there’s more….
I finished my snack, sat a bit to take in the songs and chatter yet realized I had to get going, the heat was coming. Following the trail back for the last mile I had the pleasure of crossing paths with a DESERT TORTOISE!
I came around a slight bend, cleared a bush and saw the creature! I know I startled it a bit since it was literally frozen. Giving it a wide berth I walked around it. Once I stopped moving, like the birds, the animal “came alive”, it started to walk ever so slowly across the trail.
I took some photos and video all the time giving it room to feel comfortable to move. I waited until it cleared the trail, this is also a popular mountain bike trail and I figured I’d be there just in case someone raced up on us. Thanking the tortoise for this amazing opportunity of a lifetime I turned and walked away.
Just a bit later I was at my car, happiest hiker on earth! I was privileged enough to take witness to this elusive residents of the desert!
I love this park! Sure Arizona has some beautiful scenery, but to have such rocky cliffs towering above you as well as hidden canyons here and there near home is a treat! I feel I never have to go far for beautiful scenery.
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- Remember Leave No Trace while visiting the outdoors
- Cerbat Foothills Rec Area
- Alltrails Cerbat Foothills Trails – I highly suggest #4 Monolith Garden Loop
- Watch me hike the Monolith Garden Loop (and announce my AZT Thru Hike)
Have you hiked Cerbat Foothills? Do you desert hike?
~Allie
