The Rattlesnake (Childs Mountain)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Access to public roads on Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge & BMGR require an annual permit that is free and takes about 10-15 min. to get: luke.isportsman.net/Default…. There is no access to administrative-use only roads by the public.

This is a challenging and fun climb with amazing views of the surrounding desert! The bottom half of this wide road is gravel, turning to asphalt about halfway up the climb. Note the main portion of this road is on Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and requires a (free) annual permit. Please give wildlife appropriate space!

There are no trails off of the road on the Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, but several trails on BLM to the south of the approach road; the Desert Luge West (BLM 8111B) is the quickest way to access this if coming from Ajo and wanting to avoid riding on Highway 85.

This road shines when under wide gravel bike tires. There is a yellow metal gate that you must dismount to get past near the bottom of the climb - it is marked to caution vehicles to watch for pedestrians and cyclists. The gravel is fairly large rock so appropriate precautions should be made when descending around corners, and corners especially can develop washboard.

The top half of the climb is asphalt and has some tight turns towards the top of the climb - use caution to slow down appropriately on the descent - you'll want good brakes (ideally large-rotor disc brakes).

Common wildlife observed in the area include various rattlesnake species, Greater Roadrunner, Harris' Antelope Groundsquirrels, Common Side-blotched Lizards, and an occasional Desert Bighorn.