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Hells Canyon Wilderness (Arizona)
Encyclopedia
Hells Canyon Wilderness is a 9900 acre (40 km2) wilderness area
in the U.S. state
of Arizona
. It is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Phoenix
in Maricopa
and southeast Yavapai
counties.
. The most prominent peaks are Garfias Mountain at 3381 feet (1,030.5 m) and Hellgate Mountain at 3339 feet (1,017.7 m). Other peaks, most over 3000 feet (914.4 m) in elevation, encircle Burro Flats, effectively isolating the flats from the surrounding countryside.
, 2008, The Wilderness Land Trust
purchased a 640 acres (2.6 km²) inholding
near the center of Hells Canyon Wilderness. The parcel included Hells Canyon itself and had belonged to a Phoenix area land developer. Once the Trust transfers the land to the federal government the entire wilderness area will be publicly owned.
shrub vegetation such as saguaro cactus, paloverde, barrel cactus
, ocotillo
, and various desert grasses.
National Wilderness Preservation System
The National Wilderness Preservation System of the United States protects federally managed land areas designated for preservation in their natural condition. It was established by the Wilderness Act upon the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. It is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
in Maricopa
Maricopa County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*73.0% White*5.0% Black*2.1% Native American*3.5% Asian*0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.5% Two or more races*12.7% Other races*29.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
and southeast Yavapai
Yavapai County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*89.3% White*0.6% Black*1.7% Native American*0.8% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*2.5% Two or more races*5.0% Other races*13.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
counties.
Topography
Hells Canyon Wilderness is a portion of the Hieroglyphic MountainsHieroglyphic Mountains
The Hieroglyphic Mountains are a mountain range located in central Arizona. The Hieroglyphics roughly straddle the border between Maricopa and Yavapai counties and form an effective physical barrier northwest of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area...
. The most prominent peaks are Garfias Mountain at 3381 feet (1,030.5 m) and Hellgate Mountain at 3339 feet (1,017.7 m). Other peaks, most over 3000 feet (914.4 m) in elevation, encircle Burro Flats, effectively isolating the flats from the surrounding countryside.
Private Land
On Earth DayEarth Day
Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the...
, 2008, The Wilderness Land Trust
Wilderness Land Trust
The Wilderness Land Trust is a 501 non-profit organization based in Carbondale, Colorado, whose mission is to acquire private lands in current and proposed wilderness areas and transfer them to the federal government so that they will be kept forever wild as wilderness...
purchased a 640 acres (2.6 km²) inholding
Inholding
An inholding is privately owned land inside the boundary of a national park, national forest, state park, or similar publicly owned, protected area...
near the center of Hells Canyon Wilderness. The parcel included Hells Canyon itself and had belonged to a Phoenix area land developer. Once the Trust transfers the land to the federal government the entire wilderness area will be publicly owned.
Vegetation
Most of Hells Canyon Wilderness is covered by Sonoran desertSonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert is a North American desert which straddles part of the United States-Mexico border and covers large parts of the U.S. states of Arizona and California and the northwest Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur. It is one of the largest and hottest...
shrub vegetation such as saguaro cactus, paloverde, barrel cactus
Barrel cactus
Barrel cacti are classified into the two genera Echinocactus and Ferocactus, both of which are found in the Southwest Desert of North America. Their pineapple-shaped fruits can be easily removed but are not recommended for eating. The barrel cactus may reach over a metre in height. Its ribs are...
, ocotillo
Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens Engelm. is a desert plant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Common names include ocotillo, desert coral, coachwhip, Jacob's staff, and vine cactus, although it is not a true cactus...
, and various desert grasses.
Recreation
Popular recreational activities in Hells Canyon Wilderness include rock climbing, hiking, wildlife watching, and camping.See also
- Wilderness ActWilderness ActThe Wilderness Act of 1964 was written by Howard Zahniser of The Wilderness Society. It created the legal definition of wilderness in the United States, and protected some 9 million acres of federal land. The result of a long effort to protect federal wilderness, the Wilderness Act was signed...
- List of U.S. Wilderness Areas
- List of Arizona Wilderness Areas
External links
- Hells Canyon Wilderness - Bureau of Land Management
- The Wilderness Land Trust