South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area

The 60,100-acre South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is located in southwestern Maricopa County, Arizona, 16 miles east of Gila Bend and 30 miles southwest of Phoenix. It is within the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The monument offers many opportunities to explore and discover the secrets of the Sonoran Desert and includes three wilderness areas: the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, the South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, and the Table Top Wilderness. 

This wilderness includes 13 miles of the Maricopa Mountain range, a low elevation Sonoran Desert range, and extensive desert plains. The eastern part of the wilderness has an isolated and screened mountainous interior, formed by long ridges and isolated peaks, separated by plains and washes. The western part is dominated by desert flats fronting the east-west trending Maricopa Mountains ridgeline.

This area's large size, varied landforms, and wildness provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife observation and photography are some activities both experienced and family-oriented outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy. 

Desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, coyotes, bobcat, fox, deer, Gambel's quail and various raptors also inhabit the wilderness. Saguaro, cholla, and ocotillo, paloverde and mesquite are among the many plant species.

Know Before You Go

• In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
• Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.