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Saguaro Wilderness – Image Gallery

Carnegiea gigantea or Sahuaro or Saguaro
campfire among the saguaro's in a wash
This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.
Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.
Plan your visit:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.
Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.
Plan your visit:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.
Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.
Plan your visit:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California
Rincon Mountain district trail map, which includes Manning Camp and other backcountry wilderness campsites.
Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), Tonto National Forest, Arizona, United States
Four Peaks Wilderness, Tonto National Forest.
The 5,800-acre White Canyon Wilderness is approximately 45 miles southeast of Mesa and about seven miles south of Superior, Arizona in Pinal County.
The wilderness includes the southeast portion of the Mineral Mountains. The two major topographical features are White Canyon with its numerous side canyons and the Rincon, a large escarpment which towers above the valley floor. A perennial stream and a variety of vegetation types from saguaros to chaparral are found throughout the area.
Recreation opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography are enhanced by the diverse topography, scenic character and the botanical, wildlife, and cultural resources of the area.
Learn more:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/whi...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California


Saguaro Wilderness

The Saguaro Wilderness is a rugged and remote desert landscape filled with towering cacti and stunning mountain views.


Details

Saguaro Wilderness in Arizona

The Saguaro Wilderness in Arizona is a vast and diverse protected area located within the Saguaro National Park. It encompasses over 70,900 acres of pristine desert landscape, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and the iconic saguaro cactus forests. This wilderness area is known for its unique biodiversity, with a wide range of plant and animal species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. The saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 40 feet tall and live for over 150 years, is the most prominent feature of the landscape. Other plant species found in the wilderness include prickly pear cactus, ocotillo, and palo verde trees. The Saguaro Wilderness is also home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, javelinas, and numerous bird species such as hawks, owls, and roadrunners. The area provides important habitat for these species and plays a crucial role in preserving the region's ecological balance. Visitors to the Saguaro Wilderness can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The area offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape, as well as opportunities to experience the unique flora and fauna of the region up close. Overall, the Saguaro Wilderness in Arizona is a valuable natural resource that is essential for the preservation of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Its unique features and ecological significance make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.



Saguaro Wilderness


Points of Interest

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona and is known for its iconic saguaro cacti. Visitors can hike through the park's numerous trails, take scenic drives through the desert landscape, and even camp under the stars. The park is split into two sections, the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Signal Hill Petroglyphs

Signal Hill is a popular stop within the Saguaro National Park where visitors can see ancient petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people. The short hike to Signal Hill offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape and is a great way to learn about the history of the area.

King Canyon Trail

The King Canyon Trail is a popular hiking trail in the Saguaro Wilderness that offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape and the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including javelinas, coyotes, and various bird species. The trail is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert.

Valley View Overlook

The Valley View Overlook is a scenic viewpoint within the Saguaro Wilderness that offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape, including the Rincon Mountains and the Tucson Basin. Visitors can drive or hike to the overlook and take in the stunning vistas of the park.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located just outside the Saguaro Wilderness and offers guided cave tours, horseback riding, and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the underground caverns of Colossal Cave, learn about the park's history, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, the Saguaro Wilderness offers a unique and diverse experience for visitors, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the rich history of the area.



Saguaro Wilderness – Images

Carnegiea gigantea or Sahuaro or Saguaro

Description: Carnegiea gigantea or Sahuaro or Saguaro

Image by Tomascastelazo – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

campfire among the saguaro's in a wash

Description: campfire among the saguaro's in a wash

Image by vicki watkins from USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.
Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.
Plan your visit:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Description: This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail. Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered. Plan your visit: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.
Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.
Plan your visit:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Description: This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail. Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered. Plan your visit: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail.
Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered.
Plan your visit:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Description: This 31,200- acre wilderness lies 55 miles west of Phoenix in western Maricopa County. The colorful escarpments of the 3,418-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain rise steeply from the Tonopah Desert plains giving the wilderness exceptional scenic value, especially noticeable along Interstate Highway 10 south of the area. The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness lies to the southwest, separated only by a jeep trail. Over eight miles of the eastern Big Horn Mountains cross this wilderness. The area is dominated by Sugarloaf Mountain, a landmark encircled by many lower peaks, hills, washes and bajadas. The complexity and diversity of landforms, desert vegetation and the natural beauty of this wilderness offer a wealth of recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Saguaro, chollas, ocotillos, paloverdes and mesquite abound. Most of the wilderness is habitat for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and desert tortoise. Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, golden eagles, kit foxes and Gila monsters may also be encountered. Plan your visit: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/hum... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Rincon Mountain district trail map, which includes Manning Camp and other backcountry wilderness campsites.

Description: Rincon Mountain district trail map, which includes Manning Camp and other backcountry wilderness campsites.

Image by U.S. National Park Service, restoration/cleanup by National Park Maps (https://npmaps.com) – Public domain – Wikimedia

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), Tonto National Forest, Arizona, United States

Description: Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), Tonto National Forest, Arizona, United States

Image by Bernard Gagnon – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Four Peaks Wilderness, Tonto National Forest.

Description: Four Peaks Wilderness, Tonto National Forest.

Image by vicki watkins from USA – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

The 5,800-acre White Canyon Wilderness is approximately 45 miles southeast of Mesa and about seven miles south of Superior, Arizona in Pinal County.
The wilderness includes the southeast portion of the Mineral Mountains. The two major topographical features are White Canyon with its numerous side canyons and the Rincon, a large escarpment which towers above the valley floor. A perennial stream and a variety of vegetation types from saguaros to chaparral are found throughout the area.
Recreation opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography are enhanced by the diverse topography, scenic character and the botanical, wildlife, and cultural resources of the area.
Learn more:  www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/whi...

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Description: The 5,800-acre White Canyon Wilderness is approximately 45 miles southeast of Mesa and about seven miles south of Superior, Arizona in Pinal County. The wilderness includes the southeast portion of the Mineral Mountains. The two major topographical features are White Canyon with its numerous side canyons and the Rincon, a large escarpment which towers above the valley floor. A perennial stream and a variety of vegetation types from saguaros to chaparral are found throughout the area. Recreation opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography are enhanced by the diverse topography, scenic character and the botanical, wildlife, and cultural resources of the area. Learn more: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/whi... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

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