Wilderness
Wilderness is designated by Congress as “an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence”. Wilderness is a repository of clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and natural areas for research and education. The Coronado National Forest’s eight wilderness areas are ideal places to view wildlife, hike, ride a horse, backpack, find solitude, and connect with nature.
There are eight designated wildernesses on the Coronado National Forest totaling 338,318 acres (approximately 19 percent of the forest). Wilderness provides a wide variety of opportunities for exploration, solitude, challenge, and primitive recreation. A system of trails provides visitors with access into the wilderness.
| Wilderness Area | Acres | Ecosystem Management Area |
|---|---|---|
| Chiricahua Wilderness | 87,169 | Chiricahua |
| Galiuro Wilderness | 77,529 | Galiuro |
| Miller Peak Wilderness | 20,238 | Huachuca |
| Mount Wrightson Wilderness | 25,121 | Santa Rita |
| Pajarita Wilderness | 7,523 | Tumacacori |
| Pusch Ridge Wilderness | 56,928 | Santa Catalina |
| Rincon Mountain Wilderness | 36,928 | Santa Catalina |
| Santa Teresa Wilderness | 26,891 | Santa Teresa |
Wilderness Ethics
In wilderness there are no roads; the only travel permitted is by foot or horseback. Wilderness offers the Coronado’s richest concentration of quiet places, with sights and sounds of humankind substantially unnoticeable. Developments are rare and those that exist offer a glimpse of past cultures and traditional land uses.
Maintain our wilderness
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the wilderness.
- Mechanized equipment (including mountain bikes) may not be used in the wilderness.
- Leave no trace of your visit.