Visit Wilderness

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.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

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

Rules & Regulations

Contacts