Top wilderness areas
Wilderness AreaWee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness
Wilderness AreaSpirit Mountain Wilderness
Wilderness AreaMount Charleston Wilderness
Wilderness AreaLa Madre Mountains Wilderness
Wilderness AreaIreteba Peaks Wilderness
Wilderness AreaBlack Canyon Wilderness
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.