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WILDERNESS AREAS IN GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA

At 2,969,602 acres, the Tonto Forest is by some distance the largest of the six national forests in Arizona, and has the most interesting, diverse scenery, with terrain and elevation ranging from the cactus covered Sonoran Desert (1,400 feet) to the Ponderosa Pine Forests of the Mogollon Rim(7,400 feet).

 

Besides desert and mountains it contains many lakes , fertile river valleys, rocky canyons and flat plains. 

 

These wilderness areas are home to some of the most amazing wildlife and trophy game in the world including: Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Mountain Lions and Birds of every species.  

 

Adventure seekers will love the WILD remote feeling of these wide open spaces.  Dotted with trails, each wilderness is unique and is ready to be explored. 

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MAP YOUR WILDERNESS ADVENTURE

click on the "Blue" icon to find your ruin of choice

FIND YOUR WILD IN GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA

Credit:  Arizona Highways

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Four Peaks

Wilderness

The name Four Peaks is a reference to the four distinct peaks of a north–south ridge forming the massif's summit.The Peaks themselves are visible for many miles, and are one of the most widely recognized landmarks in central AZ. 

Photo Credit:  Wiki Commons

Credit:  Cameron Davis

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Salome

Wilderness

Elevations range from 2,600 ft. at the lower end of Salome Creek to 6,500 ft. on Hopkins Mountain. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit; area trails are rare and access to the wilderness is limited.

Photo Credit:  John McCaffrey

Credit:  DJ Craig

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Superstition

Wilderness

Known for its lost mines and stories of the super-natural this area is starkly beautiful and often rugged, but can be inhospitable to those not equipped to meet nature on her own terms. Searing heat and lacking water it is very WILD.

Photo Credit:  PDTillman

Credit:  Arizona Highways

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Hell's Gate

Wilderness

Hellsgate Wilderness makes up 37,440 acres of emerald pools, perennial streams, and lightly ventured terrain. Elevations range from 3,000 feet along the lower segment of Tonto Creek to 6,400 feet on Horse Mountain. 

Photo Credit:  Hikearizona.com

Credit:  Cameron Davis

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Salt River Canyon Wilderness

Thought to be some of the most dramatic visitas in Arizona, Salt River Wilderness is awe inspiring.  Elevations range from 2,200 feet at the canyon's lower end to 4,200 feet on White Ledge Mountain.

Photo Credit:  Chris English

Credit:  David Pinter

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Mazatzal

Wilderness

Picture this: brush and ponderosa pine-covered mountains, sometimes broken by narrow, vertical-walled canyons on the east, and the Verde River flowing gently through on the west. This is a WILD as it gets.  Enjoy the journey.

Photo Credit: Matrixupgrade

Credit:  Delange.org

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Sierra Ancha

Wilderness

The Sierra Ancha Wilderness is over 20,000 acres, and is a very special wilderness that includes precipitous box canyons, high cliffs, and pine-covered mountains.  Thousands of years ago it was home to the ancient Salado people.

Photo Credit:  Robert Murray

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