- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Commercial, competitive, and large organiz…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Hassayampa Field Office; 623-580-5500; blm_az_pdo@blm.gov
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Photos of Big Horn Mountains Wilderness
How to get there
The wilderness is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Leave Interstate 10 at the Tonopah or Salome Road exits, then use unmaintained dirt roads toward the eastern, northern, or western wilderness boundaries. Conditions vary, and some approaches are primitive; high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Confirm the approach and land ownership with the Hassayampa Field Office before setting out. Vehicle approaches do not authorize driving inside the wilderness.
- Tonopah exit, Interstate 10
One of the highway exits used to approach the wilderness. Beyond the interstate, access involves unmaintained dirt roads; confirm the intended boundary approach and property permissions before travel.
- Salome Road exit, Interstate 10
An alternative highway approach to the wilderness boundary road network. Expect variable road conditions and primitive sections, with high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
Desert plains beneath a rugged mountain core
Big Horn Mountains Wilderness covers 21,000 acres in western Maricopa County, about 60 miles west of Phoenix. Big Horn Peak rises 1,800 feet above the surrounding desert plain, with neighboring escarpments forming a steep skyline visible from Interstate 10. Nine miles of jumbled mountain ridgeline cross the wilderness; that figure describes the landscape, not a hiking route. Smaller hills, fissures, rock chimneys, narrow canyons, and open plains surround the central mountain core. Elevations range from 1,400 to 3,500 feet. Saguaro, cholla, apache hedgehog cactus, and ocotillo grow among mesquite, ironwood, paloverde, and creosote. Hummingbird Springs Wilderness lies to the northeast, separated from Big Horn by a jeep trail. The contrast between open desert and broken rock makes this a place for terrain-based exploration rather than a conventional trail itinerary.
Hiking, climbing, and overnight planning
There are no trails in Big Horn Mountains Wilderness. Hiking and backpacking here mean choosing a line through the terrain and keeping track of the return route. Side canyons and desert plains offer easier walking than the rugged ridges, which challenge expert climbers. Easier terrain should not be mistaken for a marked or maintained route. Carry navigation tools and choose an outing that matches the group's experience with undeveloped desert travel. Water is limited and unavailable during most months, so carry the water needed rather than counting on finding it. Summer temperatures can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can fall to around 35 degrees. Cooler conditions are the more practical choice for extended walking. Primitive camping suits experienced, self-sufficient campers; use durable surfaces, pack out waste, and leave natural features undisturbed.
Wildlife, access boundaries, and visitor rules
Desert bighorn sheep, Gila monsters, kit foxes, and desert tortoises inhabit this wilderness. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, barn owls, and great horned owls nest in its cliffs and canyon walls. Bring binoculars for wildlife watching and keep enough distance to avoid disturbing animals, especially around nesting cliffs. Access also requires attention to land ownership: some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered, and crossing or using them requires the owner's permission. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited within designated wilderness. General public visits are free. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit; contact the Hassayampa Field Office for details. The undeveloped setting can present accessibility challenges, and primitive approach roads should not be confused with developed visitor facilities.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Big Horn Mountains Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 33.6175, -113.1433
- Latitude (DMS)
- 33° 37′ 2.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 113° 8′ 35.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Big Horn Mountains Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Big Horn Peak emerges 1,800 feet above a desert plain, near the middle of this wilderness, which ranges from 1,400 to 3,500 feet in elevation. Neighboring escarpments add to this area's exceptional scenic...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 33.617, -113.143
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Big Horn Mountains Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Animals around Big Horn Mountains Wilderness
Desert plains beneath a rugged mountain core
Big Horn Mountains Wilderness covers 21,000 acres in western Maricopa County, about 60 miles west of Phoenix. Big Horn Peak rises 1,800 feet above the surrounding desert plain, with neighboring escarpments forming a steep skyline visible from Interstate 10. Nine miles of jumbled mountain ridgeline cross the wilderness; that figure describes the landscape, not a hiking route. Smaller hills, fissures, rock chimneys, narrow canyons, and open plains surround the central mountain core. Elevations range from 1,400 to 3,500 feet. Saguaro, cholla, apache hedgehog cactus, and ocotillo grow among mesquite, ironwood, paloverde, and creosote. Hummingbird Springs Wilderness lies to the northeast, separated from Big Horn by a jeep trail. The contrast between open desert and broken rock makes this a place for terrain-based exploration rather than a conventional trail itinerary.
Hiking, climbing, and overnight planning
There are no trails in Big Horn Mountains Wilderness. Hiking and backpacking here mean choosing a line through the terrain and keeping track of the return route. Side canyons and desert plains offer easier walking than the rugged ridges, which challenge expert climbers. Easier terrain should not be mistaken for a marked or maintained route. Carry navigation tools and choose an outing that matches the group's experience with undeveloped desert travel. Water is limited and unavailable during most months, so carry the water needed rather than counting on finding it. Summer temperatures can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can fall to around 35 degrees. Cooler conditions are the more practical choice for extended walking. Primitive camping suits experienced, self-sufficient campers; use durable surfaces, pack out waste, and leave natural features undisturbed.
Wildlife, access boundaries, and visitor rules
Desert bighorn sheep, Gila monsters, kit foxes, and desert tortoises inhabit this wilderness. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, barn owls, and great horned owls nest in its cliffs and canyon walls. Bring binoculars for wildlife watching and keep enough distance to avoid disturbing animals, especially around nesting cliffs. Access also requires attention to land ownership: some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered, and crossing or using them requires the owner's permission. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited within designated wilderness. General public visits are free. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit; contact the Hassayampa Field Office for details. The undeveloped setting can present accessibility challenges, and primitive approach roads should not be confused with developed visitor facilities.
Route options
- Desert plains explorationEasier terrain than the ridges; unmarked desert travel
Choose an out-and-back walk across the plains surrounding the mountainous core. This is a terrain-based option rather than a named trail; there are no trails, and navigation and a self-sufficient water supply are essential.
- Side-canyon explorationEasier than ridge travel; route selection required
Explore the side canyons around the central mountains, selecting a turnaround that suits the terrain and the group's abilities. These canyons offer easier hiking than the rugged ridges, without a designated trail to follow.
- Big Horn Mountains ridgeline climbingExpert climbing terrain
The jumbled ridgeline offers rugged terrain for expert climbers. Treat it as a climbing objective requiring independent route assessment, not as an established end-to-end hiking route.
Sample itineraries
- Desert Plains and Side Canyons · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back walk on the desert plains or into a side canyon, choosing terrain below the rugged central ridges. There are no established trails. Confirm legal boundary access, carry all drinking water, and allow time for navigation and photography.
- Primitive Wilderness Overnight · 2 days
Experienced desert backpackers can explore the smaller hills and canyons surrounding the Big Horn Mountains core. Camp on a durable surface, then retrace the approach the following day. Choose the trip length around water-carrying capacity rather than assuming water will be available.
- Cliff and Desert Wildlife Photography · 1 day
Explore easier plains terrain for views of Big Horn Peak and neighboring escarpments. Bring binoculars to observe cliff-nesting birds from a distance. Keep the outing flexible: trail-less navigation, primitive road access, and desert temperatures can limit time on foot.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Plan around the current forecast rather than assuming mild desert conditions. Water is limited and unavailable during most months. Carry the full outing's supply and choose a route with a manageable return across trail-less terrain.
Summer
Summer
Summer temperatures can reach about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat and scarce water make strenuous hikes and loaded backpacking demanding. Shorten objectives or postpone travel when conditions exceed the group's capacity.
Fall
Fall
Check temperatures before committing to a long hike or overnight. Do not count on seasonal water: it is unavailable during most months. Primitive access roads and unmarked terrain still require careful planning.
Winter
Winter
Winter temperatures can be around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack insulating layers for camping and periods of inactivity. Cooler conditions do not remove the need to carry water or navigate carefully through the rugged terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Plan around the current forecast rather than assuming mild desert conditions. Water is limited and unavailable during most months. Carry the full outing's supply and choose a route with a manageable return across trail-less terrain. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer temperatures can reach about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat and scarce water make strenuous hikes and loaded backpacking demanding. Shorten objectives or postpone travel when conditions exceed the group's capacity. |
| Fall | Fall | Check temperatures before committing to a long hike or overnight. Do not count on seasonal water: it is unavailable during most months. Primitive access roads and unmarked terrain still require careful planning. |
| Winter | Winter | Winter temperatures can be around 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack insulating layers for camping and periods of inactivity. Cooler conditions do not remove the need to carry water or navigate carefully through the rugged terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the BLM Hassayampa Field Office for requirements and current regulations.
Fees: General public visits are free.
Official source: Big Horn Mountains Wilderness - Arizona · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Extreme summer heat and water unavailable during most months create a serious dehydration risk. Carry enough water for the entire trip.
- There are no established trails. Jumbled ridges, fissures, and narrow canyons require navigation skills and conservative route choices.
- Big Horn Peak and surrounding escarpments are precipitous. Rugged ridge climbing is suited to experts; plains and side canyons offer easier alternatives.
- Unmaintained dirt roads have variable conditions. High-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for boundary access.
- Saguaro, cholla, and other cactus occur throughout the terrain. Watch footing and avoid contact while moving through vegetation.
- Cold winter conditions can affect overnight comfort and safety. Carry insulation appropriate to the forecast.
What to pack for Big Horn Mountains Wilderness
- Full trip water supply plus a contingency reserve
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Lightweight sun-protective clothing
- Food for the planned outing and delays
- Topographic map with wilderness and property boundaries
- Compass and offline navigation
- Vehicle recovery supplies appropriate to primitive dirt roads
- First-aid kit
- Sturdy footwear for rugged desert terrain
- Insulating layers matched to the forecast
- Shelter and sleeping system for overnight trips
- Waste bags for packing out trash
- Binoculars for viewing cliff-nesting birds
- Camera with a zoom lens for distant wildlife
Big Horn Mountains Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Big Horn Mountains Wilderness?
- This 21,000-acre wilderness lies in western Maricopa County, Arizona, about 60 miles west of Phoenix. Big Horn Peak rises 1,800 feet above the desert plain, and nine miles of the mountain ridgeline cross the wilderness.
- How do visitors reach the wilderness?
- Exit Interstate 10 at Tonopah or Salome Road. Unmaintained dirt roads reach the eastern, northern, and western boundaries. Allow roughly two hours from Phoenix, with conditions affecting travel. High-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended.
- Are there hiking trails or beginner-friendly routes?
- There are no established trails. Plains and side canyons offer easier terrain than the rugged ridges, but still require navigation skills. The undeveloped setting can present accessibility challenges. Avoid treating easier terrain as a marked or maintained route.
- Can visitors camp and find drinking water?
- Primitive camping and backpacking are available, best suited to experienced, self-sufficient visitors. Water is limited and unavailable during most months. Carry the entire trip's supply, camp on durable surfaces, and follow Leave No Trace practices.
- Are bikes and off-highway vehicles allowed?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles and off-highway vehicles, are generally prohibited inside wilderness. Access roads do not authorize driving into the wilderness. Some surrounding and internal lands are not federally administered; obtain permission before crossing or using them.
- Who manages the area and answers access questions?
- The BLM Hassayampa Field Office manages the wilderness. Contact 623-580-5500 or blm_az_pdo@blm.gov to confirm regulations, legal access, and special recreation permit requirements before traveling.