Recreation on the BARRY M. GOLDWATER RANGE (BMGR)
The Barry M. Goldwater Range is the third largest land-based military range in the United States. Since its establishment in 1941, the BMGR has served as a tactical air combat training complex of vital importance to national security. The land area of the BMGR covers approximately 1.7 million acres in southwestern Arizona and is operated as two independent segments: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma manages the western portion (BMGR-W) and Luke Air Force Base manages the eastern portion (BMGR-E). The BMGR complex also includes about 2.7 million acres, or 57,000 cubic miles, of restricted airspace. The BMGR is a large component of one of the largest and best-preserved desert landscapes in the U.S. Portions of the BMGR are open for public recreation, but only under a permit system with regulations necessary to ensure public safety, prevent interference with military training, and to protect natural and cultural resources. Approximately 75 percent of the BMGR-W is open to the public. Activities include camping, hiking, hunting, target shooting, and off-highway vehicle use on designated roads and trails. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma annually issues over 12,000 public recreation permits.