Arizona Hunt Unit 27 Map: A Trophy Hunter’s Paradise — and a Haven for Hikers, Campers & Wild Country Wanderers
- ADVENTURE iDIAZ
- Jul 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Why Arizona Hunt Unit 27 Deserves Its Place Among the Top Arizona Hunt Unit Maps
If you love your hunting rugged, your hiking remote, your trout native, and your coffee sipped at 8,000 feet, welcome to Arizona Hunt Unit 27.
This unit isn’t just about tags and trophies (though it has those in spades). It’s about solitude, wilderness, and the feeling you get when the road turns to ruts and the ruts fade into blue spruce.
The Diverse Landscape of Unit 27
Let’s start with the lay of the land. Unit 27 stretches across a wide variety of habitats. You’ll find everything from the spruce and fir forests of the high-elevation Canadian Life Zone to ponderosa pine belts, pinyon-juniper zones, and high desert grasslands near the Gila River Basin. It’s like five landscapes in one, and the wildlife loves it.
Most of the unit lies within the Apache National Forest. There are also patches of state land, BLM areas, and a few private in-holdings sprinkled around. The terrain is wild, and the access is primitive. That’s exactly why hunters, anglers, hikers, and campers keep coming back.
Hunting in AZ GMU 27: Big Game, Predators, and Small Game Species
Trophy Elk, Mule Deer, and Coues Whitetail
Unit 27 offers some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting opportunities in Arizona. This unit’s remote terrain, expansive habitat types, and limited access help animals grow big, old, and wise. This makes for a true hunter’s challenge.
Trophy elk are one of the unit’s biggest draws. These bulls often spend their lives deep in rugged, hard-to-reach basins, far from roads and pressure. For those willing to go the distance, it’s not uncommon to spot mature bulls with heavy, wide racks. These are the kind that fuel dreams and draw repeat hunters season after season.
Mule deer and Coues whitetail both roam this unit. Their presence and concentration often depend on elevation, season, and habitat. Muleys are more commonly found in open country and mid-elevations. In contrast, Coues tend to favor brushy, higher terrain and dense pine-covered ridges. This offers different experiences for every style of hunter.
Mountain Lion, Bear, and Small Game
In addition to big game, Unit 27 is home to a thriving predator and small game population. This provides year-round opportunities for hunters of all types.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are perhaps the most elusive quarry here. Tags are extremely limited, and the terrain they occupy is not for the faint of heart. Success in these high cliffs and remote canyons requires serious physical effort, backcountry skills, and plenty of grit.
For broader opportunities, javelina, turkey, black bear, and mountain lion are all found throughout the unit. These often overlap the same wild terrain favored by big game. Bear hunters especially appreciate the remote drainages and abundant food sources that support a healthy population of color-phase bears.
Don’t overlook the smaller species. Coyote, bobcat, gray fox, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and others are plentiful. If it walks, runs, slinks, climbs, or flaps, chances are, Unit 27 holds it. The unit's diverse ecosystems create a haven for wildlife, making it a year-round hunting destination that rewards patience, preparation, and persistence.
Fishing Arizona’s Blue River in Unit 27: Native Trout & Pristine Waters
Anglers, don’t skip this part. Unit 27 isn’t just a haven for hunters and hikers. It also offers some of the most secluded and rewarding trout fishing in the state.
Winding through deep canyons and pine-covered slopes, the Blue River is a remote, spring-fed stream that feels worlds away from civilization. This stretch of cold, clear water cuts through one of Arizona’s wildest corners. It provides ideal habitat for native trout. Its cooler tributaries are home to the Apache trout, Arizona’s official state fish. This rare native species was once on the brink of extinction. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts by the White Mountain Apache Tribe and federal partners, the Apache trout has made a remarkable comeback. Catching one is a special milestone for any angler.
While the Apache trout is the true prize, you might also encounter rainbow, brown, brook, or even cutthroat trout in various parts of the watershed. The mix of species, coupled with the serenity of the landscape, makes every cast feel like part of something bigger.
If you’re into waterfowl, keep your eyes open near the lakes, marshes, and river corridors. Canadian geese, mallards, blue-winged teal, mergansers, and northern pintails are all known to frequent these high-country wetlands. This offers another layer of outdoor opportunity for birders and wingshooters alike.
Hiking Arizona Hunt Unit 27: Trails, Wilderness Areas & High-Country Scenery
Historic Trails: Eagle National Recreation Trail & Coronado Scenic Byway
Arizona Hunt Unit 27 isn’t just prime hunting country. It’s also a high-country haven for hikers, backpackers, and sightseers. With hundreds of miles of trails winding through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, the Bear Wallow Wilderness, and the Blue Range Primitive Area, this unit offers everything from casual walks to challenging multi-day treks. The scenery ranges from dense spruce and aspen forests to alpine meadows, volcanic peaks, and trout-filled creeks. Wildlife sightings are common, and the cooler mountain air makes it an ideal summer escape.
Among the most popular hikes are the strenuous but stunning Eagle National Recreation Trail (24-mile backcountry loop), the scenic Mount Baldy Trail (14-mile out-and-back to Arizona’s second-highest peak), and the switchback-filled Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. This historic driving route offers hiking access and jaw-dropping overlooks. Other highlights include Escudilla Mountain Trail (12 miles, sweeping ridge views) and Acker Lake Trail (a moderate 7-mile hike to a tranquil alpine lake). Whether you’re up for an epic backpacking adventure or a peaceful nature walk, Unit 27 is bursting with options for all skill levels.
Exploring the Blue Range Primitive Area and Bear Wallow Wilderness
A Land Untouched: Solitude, Scenery, and the Elusive Gray Wolf
For those craving solitude, rugged beauty, and a taste of true wilderness, the Blue Range Primitive Area and the Bear Wallow Wilderness are two of the crown jewels of Arizona Hunt Unit 27. The Blue Range Primitive Area spans an impressive 174,000 roadless acres. It is one of the last remaining primitive areas in the U.S. This means no motorized vehicles, no developed roads, just raw, untamed country. This vast landscape is marked by steep canyons, thick forests, high ridges, and remote trails. It offers a rare backcountry experience that few places still provide.
To the north, the Bear Wallow Wilderness covers 11,000 acres of pristine pine forest. It is intersected by lush creeks and scenic ridgelines ideal for glassing wildlife. This area is quieter and more accessible for day hikes, rich in biodiversity. Both of these wild zones lie within the federally designated habitat of the Mexican Gray Wolf. This rare and majestic species was reintroduced into the area. Though sightings are uncommon and fleeting, just knowing you’re walking in wolf country adds a layer of excitement to the experience. Whether you're hiking, scouting, or simply soaking in the silence, this stretch of high country feels like stepping back in time.
Where to Camp in AZ GMU 27: Sites, Access Roads & Scenic Spots
Dispersed Camping vs. Developed Sites
When it comes to camping in Unit 27, options are as wide open as the landscape itself. Dispersed camping is abundant, especially along the Blue River corridor and throughout the Apache National Forest. This offers endless opportunities to pitch a tent or park a rig in true solitude. Whether you're hunting, hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the silence, you'll find plenty of space to set up camp under the stars.
For those looking for a few more amenities, the unit also features developed campgrounds. These come with vault toilets, trailhead staging areas for backpacking and horseback trips, secluded picnic areas, and ample clearings ideal for wall tents and hunting base-camps. Hannagan Meadow and the surrounding areas provide easier access to some of these spots. The deeper you go, the more remote and scenic your campsite will likely be.
4x4 Tips and Road Restrictions to Know
Getting around in Unit 27 is part of the adventure — and part of the challenge. Many of the access roads are unimproved, rocky, and can turn downright treacherous after a monsoon or heavy snow. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are strongly recommended. Drivers should be confident navigating steep grades, washouts, and narrow mountain switchbacks.
It’s also important to stay updated on seasonal road closures. These closures are common in this unit. They exist to protect wildlife habitats, fragile watersheds, and erosion-prone routes during wet seasons. Always check with the local Forest Service office before heading in too deep. Carry paper maps or GPS tools, as cell service is limited or nonexistent in much of the unit. With the right prep and gear, camping in Unit 27 can be one of the most rewarding wilderness experiences in the state.
Why a Reliable Arizona Hunt Unit 27 Map is Essential
In a unit as remote, rugged, and wild as Arizona GMU 27, having a dependable map isn't just helpful — it's critical. That’s exactly why we built our Arizona Hunt Unit 27 Map with you in mind. Whether you're glassing for bulls on a backcountry ridge, fly-fishing the cold waters of the Blue River, or hiking deep into Bear Wallow Wilderness, this map is essential.
Designed and printed right here in the USA, this isn’t your average map. It’s the result of years of firsthand experience, field feedback, and an obsessive attention to detail. All this is to give you the confidence to explore farther, hunt smarter, and navigate safer.
Compact & Field-Ready – Folds down for easy packing, opens up to reveal the full unit at a glance.
Extensive Road & Water Source Markings – More roads, trails, creeks, springs, and tanks than any other map on the market.
Detailed Topographics – Precise contour lines and elevation features to help you read the terrain like a local.
Highly Water & Tear Resistant – Built to handle rainstorms, river crossings, and rough backcountry use without falling apart.
Exceptional Design & Layout – Clean, intuitive formatting makes it easy to read — even when you’re high on adrenaline.
This is more than just a piece of gear — it’s a purpose-built tool trusted by hunters, hikers, anglers, and even first responders. Field-tested. Hunter-approved. Adventure-ready. Don't head into Unit 27 without it.
Local Tips for Success in Arizona Hunt Unit 27
Access requires a high-clearance 4WD, especially during rain or snow season.
Respect road closures. Many exist to protect fragile terrain and seasonal wildlife movement.
Check with the Forest Service. Roads and land use change more often than you’d expect.
Be bear aware, especially in fall when food sources are hot.
Final Thoughts on Arizona Hunt Unit 27
Unit 27 is one of the last places in Arizona where the wild still wins. It’s a place where you earn your moments. Whether it’s a successful hunt, a perfect cast, or just a sunrise you’ll never forget, this unit offers it all.
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