Karen Martin | Granite Mountain Wilderness
EDITOR’S NOTE: Each afternoon in September, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, we’re spotlighting three of Arizona’s 90 wilderness areas. For more information about any of the state’s wilderness areas, visit Wilderness.net, a collaboration between several wilderness-related organizations. The information here comes from that site and the wilderness areas’ managing agencies. Always contact the managing agency before visiting a wilderness to learn about any restrictions that may be in effect. To see our entire Wild Arizona series, click here.
Granite Mountain Wilderness
The towns of Prescott, Chino Valley and Skull Valley are visible from the top of Granite Mountain, and you’re likely to see mule deer and javelinas here. Some 75 percent of this wilderness was burned in the Doce Fire in 2013, but hiking and horseback-riding opportunities still exist.
Location: Northwest of Prescott
Established: 1984
Size: 9,762 acres
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Contact: Bradshaw Ranger District, 928-443-8000 or www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
Harcuvar Mountains Wilderness
Rosy boas, Gilbert’s skinks and desert night lizards are among the fauna found in this rocky landscape, but desert bighorn sheep and mountain lions also roam here. This wilderness’ canyons and ridges are ideal for hardy hikers and backpackers.
Location: West of Wickenburg
Established: 1990
Size: 25,050 acres
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
Contact: Lake Havasu Field Office, 928-505-1200 or www.blm.gov/az
Muggins Mountain Wilderness
Near Yuma Proving Ground is a cluster of rugged peaks that occasionally draw day hikers, backpackers and rock climbers. You’ll see colorful geologic formations and landforms here, but not much vegetation or wildlife. And there’s a good chance you’ll have this wilderness to yourself.
Location: East of Yuma
Established: 1990
Size: 7,711 acres
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
Contact: Yuma Field Office, 928-317-3200 or www.blm.gov/az
Arizona Highways 
Thank you, AH, for showcasing my photo of the Granite Mountain Wilderness. The photo was taken in late April 2014, almost a year after the major fire that threatened much of the Prescott and surrounding areas. The purple sand verbenas against the stark background prompted many a driver to hit the brakes and jump out for a photo (as did I). I am also a longtime subscriber of your marvelous magazine. Keep up the great work 🙂
Panasonic Lumix G6 camera, f/16, 1/125″, 21mm (35mm equivalent = 42mm).