Top wilderness areas
Wilderness AreaBaboquivari Peak Wilderness
Wilderness AreaParia Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
Wilderness AreaPaiute Wilderness
Wilderness AreaWest Clear Creek Wilderness
Wilderness AreaKanab Creek Wilderness
Wilderness AreaMount Logan Wilderness
Wilderness AreaMount Trumbull Wilderness
Wilderness AreaSalt River Canyon Wilderness
Wilderness AreaBeaver Dam Mountains Wilderness
Wilderness AreaAravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Wilderness AreaMazatzal Wilderness
Wilderness AreaCabeza Prieta Wilderness
Wilderness Areas by county
All wilderness areas (43)
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph wilderness areas
Wilderness areas reward those who camp: being on location at sunrise and in the dark is the main advantage over day visitors.
- Motorized and mechanized equipment, including drones, is prohibited in designated wilderness.
- Group size limits and permits may apply; check with the managing agency.
- Practice Leave No Trace — camp on durable surfaces away from lakes and streams.
- Pack weight matters: a single zoom and a light tripod cover most situations.
- Night skies are often among the darkest in the country.
Season: Most high wilderness is snow-free from July to September; lower deserts are best in spring and autumn.