Woolsey Peak Wilderness

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Woolsey Peak Wilderness (map) in 1990 and it now has a total of 64,000 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Arizona and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Description

Woolsey Peak stands at 3,270 feet above sea level and approximately 2,500 feet above the Gila River (to the south). It is a geographical landmark visible from much of southwestern Arizona. The Painted Rock Dam blocks the Gila River not far from the southwestern corner of the area. Encompassing a major portion of the Gila Bend Mountains, it is just barely separated from the smaller Signal Mountain Wilderness to the north. You'll find sloping lava flows, basalt mesas, ragged peaks, and broken ridges dotted with saguaro, cholla, paloverde, creosote, and bursage. Desert mesquite, paloverde, and ironwood grow in the washes thoughout this rugged and expansive desert Wilderness.

The region is especially inviting for its desert backpacking. Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, hawks, and owls might make an appearance while you're tramping through here.

Planning to Visit the Woolsey Peak Wilderness?

Print a fact sheet
General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
Regulations
Contact the Bureau of Land Management
- Lower Sonoran Field Office

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 Woolsey Peak Wilderness.

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.