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Sharing a long northeastern border with San Carlos Indian Reservation, Fishhooks Wilderness is a haven of solitude in an isolated and seldom visited region of Arizona. Ruggedly beautiful with grand vistas, the area contains Upper, Middle, and Lower Fishhooks, as well as Sam, Steer Springs, and Dutch Pasture Canyons, all of which offer pleasant hiking among shady riparian vegetation. Set in the Gila Mountains, Gila Peak, on the southern side of the Wilderness, rises to 6,629 feet (the lowest point in the Wilderness being about 4,000 feet) and supports a border piñon pine forest found only in southeastern Arizona. On lower benches and slopes you'll roam through grasslands and chaparral. In these areas, you may find elk, mule deer, white tail deer, black bear, mountain lion, coyote, and javelina. Ten to 15 inches of precipitation falls annually in Fishhooks Wilderness with temperatures ranging from 20 to 110 degrees F. Be forewarned: if you want to wander into the reservation you'll need a special permit.
Maps
Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.
Online Maps
Printed Maps
Rules & Regulations
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited in all wilderness areas.
This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters.
Wilderness-Specific Regulations
Learn more about
why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.
Applicable Wilderness Law(s)
Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?
Citizens who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities.