Big Horn Mountains Wilderness

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 the area's exceptional scenic value. Nine miles of the jumbled ridgeline of the Big Horn Mountains cross the Wilderness, surrounded by small hills, fissures, chimneys, and slim canyons covered with saguaro cactus, cholla, apache hedgehog cactus, ocotillo, mesquite, ironwood, paloverde, and creosote. Here you'll find desert bighorn sheep as well as Gila monsters, kit foxes, and desert tortoise. Other permanent residents include golden eagles, prairie falcons, barn owls, and great horned owls, all of whom nest on the walls of the canyons. Just to the north lies Hummingbird Springs Wilderness. There are no trails, but hikers can access the area via unmaintained and primitive two-track routes from the northern, eastern, and western boundaries. In addition to backpackers, the area draws expert rock climbers, and primitive camping opportunities exist throughout the Wilderness for the well-versed camper. Although the area receives 6 inches of annual precipitation, water is limited and unavailable during most months. Average annual temperatures range from 35 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 105 degrees in summer.