US Wilderness Areas

What makes a wilderness area different?

Federal wilderness is a legal designation made by Congress, not simply a remote place or a name on a map. The Act describes land retaining its primeval character, without permanent improvements or human habitation, where the imprint of people’s work is substantially unnoticeable. The law generally calls for at least 5,000 acres, or sufficient size to make preservation and use in an unimpaired condition practicable; smaller designated areas exist.

Fewer machines, fewer permanent developments

The Act generally prohibits permanent roads, motor vehicles, motorized equipment, aircraft landings, mechanical transport and structures, subject to statutory exceptions and necessary minimum administration, including emergencies. Bicycles are generally prohibited as mechanical transport. Special provisions, existing rights and area-specific laws can matter; never assume that every wilderness has identical rules.

Hiking, backpacking, paddling, horseback travel, hunting and fishing may be allowed, depending on the managing agency and local rules. Wilderness designation does not override national-park hunting restrictions, seasonal closures or state licensing requirements. Mobility access has specific legal protections; contact the managing agency about your needs.

Sources: NPS law and policy · BLM wilderness guidance · Wilderness Connect.

How many wilderness areas are in each state?

California leads this inventory with 154 areas, followed by Arizona with 90 and Nevada with 73. Each distinct area counts once nationally and once in every state it crosses, so state totals add to more than 806. Puerto Rico is shown separately. Zero means no federally designated wilderness in this inventory, not no wild land or protected places.

Inventory snapshot: 2026-10-18. These are catalog counts, not a claim that all 806 Wild10 guides are finished, nor a live federal designation counter. Check the current Wilderness Connect directory.

Explore the wilderness inventory

Every entry links to its Wilderness Connect area record. Published Wild10 guides add researched trip details; unfinished profiles are not offered as guides.

806 of 806 wilderness areas