Santa Teresa Wilderness
More than anything else, the 26,780-acre Santa Teresa Wilderness can be described
as remote. Trails exist in many places only as routes kept open by cowboys
driving their stock. These mountains are characterized by deep canyons, rocky
outcrops and bald summits. Vegetation is predominantly thick chaparral with
forests of ponderosa pine occupying high ridges. A stand of Douglas-fir grows
on the sheltered north slope of Cottonwood Peak, the highest in the range.
The granite cliffs, buttes and ridges of the Santa Teresas lend themselves
to the weathering forces of nature in such a way that, in many places, they
have been sculpted into strikingly picturesque formations. These natural works
of art give the Santa Teresa Wilderness an unmistakable character.
Because of this area’s remote nature, it serves as ideal habitat for
wildlife species that prefer a high degree of isolation. Among those are black
bear and mountain lion. Other desert species, such as mule deer, coatimundi
and javelina, can be found here as well. When added to this area’s other
notable attributes, the possibility of encountering some of these reclusive
residents makes a trip to the Santa Teresa Wilderness well worth the effort.
Attractions:
Outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation
Sculptured rocks, remote canyons
Fascinating wildlife
Maps: Coronado National Forest Recreation Map (Safford and Santa Catalina
Districts).
USGS Quads: Buford Hill, Cobre Grande Mtn, Klondyke, Jackson Mtn.
Location: 40 miles north of Willcox, 50 miles northeast of Tucson, and
30 miles southwest of Safford. (Straight line distances, not road
mileages.)
Elevation: 4,000' to 7,500' (Summit of Cottonwood Peak)
Access: Major access points are at Black Rock (at the end of FR 94)
and at the end of Forest Roads 679, 677, and 277. Black Rock
access may be
available
at the private landowner’s discretion. Inquire about access status by
calling the Safford Ranger
District Office.
Trails in Wilderness: Major routes are: Black Canyon #65, Cottonwood
Mountain #66, Holdout #69 and Black Rock #292.
Notes:
Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including
mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. Please abide
by Wilderness
rules and
observe NO TRACE! ethics.
Trails here can be extremely hard to follow. In some cases
they virtually disappear for long stretches. Trail signs
are rare.
Bring a map and
compass and know
how to use them.
Water is available year-round at a limited number of springs.
Purification of water is recommended prior to use. During
dry periods, bring
your own.
Before visiting this area, call the Safford
Ranger District for current trail conditions which can vary with season,
weather and maintenance
status.
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