Screen reader users: Look for the link below the main navigation to view the navigation links as a bulleted list instead of an expandable menu. Arrow pointing to below image, credit follows Sky Lakes Wilderness, Oregon (Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest)
Waterfall
Text size: A | A | A   [Print]

Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness

General
   Area Management
   Wilderness Laws
   Links
   Blogs
  
Photograph taken in the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 17,600 acres. Arizona contains approximately 15,000 acres. Utah contains approximately 2,600 acres. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Description

The jagged mountains and gently sloping alluvial plain of Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness straddle the Arizona-Utah border. Management of the Wilderness is shared by the BLM in both states. It is further divided into northeastern and southwestern units by Cedar Pockets Road. South of Beaver Dam lies Paiute Wilderness, which is separated by the corridor of Interstate 15.

Joshua trees, desert shrubs, and scattered grasses are the primary vegetation. Several rare plant species have also been identified here. Notable wildlife include desert bighorn sheep, the endangered desert tortoise, and large numbers of raptors. The woundfin minnow, another species threatened with extinction, lives in the Virgin River, which flows through the eastern section of the area for 13 miles. River rafters and kayakers have been increasingly attracted to the Virgin River, but water levels can be too low for this form of travel in the fall and winter. Backpacking in the Wilderness has seen a substantial increase in recent years. There are no trails, so hone your cross-country skills before heading out.

Planning to Visit the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness?

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness.
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.