Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Hells Canyon Wilderness (
map) in 1990 and it now has a total of
9,951 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
A scenic portion of the Hieroglyphic Mountain Range, this area is home to numerous peaks, mostly over 3,000 feet, encircling and isolating Burro Flats from the rest of the world. Hells Canyon is further isolated by private land on its southern, eastern, and northern sides. The most prominent of the peaks are Garfias Mountain at 3,381 feet and Hellgate Mountain at 3,339 feet. Several cliffs on the mountains attract climbers, and the canyons make for relatively easy hiking. Most of this Wilderness is covered by Sonoran Desert vegetation: saguaro, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and desert grasses. Easily accessible, primitive camping sites are plentiful.
