Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Mount Tipton Wilderness (
map) in 1990 and it now has a total of
31,320 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
This Wilderness contains the entire northern half of the imposing Cerbat Mountains. Although 7,148-foot Mount Tipton dominates the area, the real eye-catching attraction, the true centerpiece of the Wilderness, is located north of and below Tipton: the Pinnacles, immense tusklike rows of maroon-colored spires towering above open, yellow desert valleys. If you make the physically challenging climb up Mount Tipton, you'll discover a stand of large ponderosa pines on the northeast side and tremendous views in all directions, including the Pinnacles. Deep washes divided by descending ridges, small valleys, and bowls are found throughout the area. Unlike the nearby Black Mountains, the Cerbats are highly vegetated on their upper slopes with piñon pine, shrub live oak, manzanita, bear grass, and desert ceanothus. Large granite outcroppings break the ridgelines, the gray and red rock contrasting with the green vegetation. You'll probably encounter mule deer and raptors, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a kit fox, bobcat, and a Gambel's quail or two. Backcountry explorers should pack plenty of water in with them.
Gaylord A. Nelson Wilderness, Wisconsin
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