Worthington Trail

The highlight of the Worthington Trails is the 170-foot tall Intaglios located at its trailhead. The intaglios of humans and animals are estimated to be between 500 and 2000 years old. According to the Mohave and Quechans, natives of the lower Colorado River area, the human figures represent Mastamho, the Creator of all life. The animal figures represent Hatakulya, one of two mountain lions/persons who helped in the Creation. In ancient times, sacred ceremonial dances were held in the area to honor the creation. Managed by the BLM, the figures were fenced off in 1974 to prevent further damage from vehicles whose tire tracks can last 1000s of years. The trail then takes you to the rough Big Maria Mountains Wilderness border, where it rises in elevation to provide inspiring views of the valley below. Sections of the trail cross over dry washes where you can lose the trail's tire tracks in the large rocks. The most intimidating section of the route is a long steep, slippery decline. High clearance 4x4s should only attempt this trail. As the trail is entirely on BLM land, dispersed camping is allowed, and we found existing rock fire rings.