Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Fishhooks Wilderness (
map) in 1990 and it now has a total of
10,500 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
Sharing a long northeastern border with San Carlos Indian Reservation, Fishhooks Wilderness is a haven of solitude in an isolated and seldom visited region of Arizona. Ruggedly beautiful with grand vistas, the area contains Upper, Middle, and Lower Fishhooks, and Sam, Steer Springs, and Dutch Pasture Canyons, all of which offer pleasant hiking among shady riparian vegetation. Wells, springs, and tanks supply the area's water. Set in the Gila Mountains, Gila Peak, on the southern side of the Wilderness, rises to 6,629 feet and supports a border piñon pine forest found only in southeastern Arizona. On lower benches and slopes you'll roam through grasslands and chaparral. Be forewarned: if you want to wander into the reservation you'll need a special permit.
