Wilderness Connect

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Just south of and sharing a border with the San Carlos Indian Reservation, North Santa Teresa Wilderness preserves Black Rock, a geologic landmark of special spiritual significance to many Native Americans. Rising nearly 1,000 feet from its base and towering darkly over the desert floor, Black Rock possesses an undeniably mystical aura. Unfortunately, the rock has been abused by vandals in the past, which has made the San Carlos Apaches protective of the area. The remainder of the mile-long rhyolitic plug of which it is a part stands encircled by steep cliffs of several hundred feet. Elevations range from about 3,500 feet to 5,890 feet atop Jackson Mountain, in the southeast portion of the Wilderness. This boulder-strewn area supports dense desert and mountain shrub, grassland, and riparian vegetation. Wildlife known to inhabit the area includes black bears, coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and peregrine falcons. Temperatures can range anywhere from 20 to 110 degrees F with annual precipitation ranging from 10 to 15 inches.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the North Santa Teresa Wilderness.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Location

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

Interactive Map of the North Santa Teresa Wilderness
Google Earth

Arizona Wildernesses

Printed Maps

Fetching MyTopo from Database

USGS Store

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.

Contacts

Applicable Wilderness Law(s)

Public Law 101-628

Date: November 28, 1990
Acreage: 6,590 acres

Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 1990 - Public law 101-628 (11/28/1990) To provide for the designation of certain public lands as wilderness in the State of Arizona

For more information (To download or see all affected Wilderness areas) visit our law library for 101-628 or special provisions for 101-628 or legislative history for 101-628.

Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?

People 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. Groups are listed alphabetically by the state(s) in which the wilderness is located.