The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With almost 2,200 backcountry camping sites, most of which are only accessible by canoe, this wilderness area offers a unique and immersive experience in nature. Fishing is a popular activity here, with a diverse range of species contributing to the ecosystem, including wolves, otters, moose, beavers, frogs, and bats. The protection of this area under the Wilderness Act 60 years ago was largely due to the efforts of Wilderness Society founder Ernest Oberholtzer.
In recent years, the Biden administration finalized a 20-year mineral withdrawal in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, placing a mining moratorium on over 225,000 acres of land in the Superior National Forest. This decision ensures the preservation of this pristine wilderness for future generations to enjoy.
Moving on to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness in New Mexico, this area offers surprising solitude just outside Albuquerque. While popular trails can get crowded, venturing onto side trails can provide a more peaceful experience. The western slopes of the Sandia Mountain range are home to numerous birds of prey, such as raptors, golden eagles, and various hawks. The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is a unique attraction, transporting visitors to the peak for breathtaking views.
In Arizona, the Pusch Ridge Wilderness near Tucson boasts stunning views and beautiful rock formations. With elevations ranging from 2,800 to 8,800 feet, this wilderness area offers cooler temperatures, making it a popular destination in the summer months. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado is a haven for outdoor adventurers, with six of Colorado’s legendary „fourteeners“ and alpine lakes like Maroon Lake offering picturesque views. Designated over 50 years ago under the Wilderness Act, this area also features natural hot springs at Conundrum Creek and even a shuttle bus for summer crowds, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.
In Washington, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a popular outdoor destination with its rugged, glacier-carved North Cascades. Boasting over 700 mountain lakes, including Enchantment, Mason, and Melakwa, this wilderness area is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through part of the area, offering opportunities for long-distance hiking and exploration.
The Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon is the second largest wilderness area in the state, named after its three major volcanoes. This area is rich in geologic features, including lava flows, cones, and glaciers like Collier Glacier. Visitors can hike sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and enjoy the beauty of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
In California, the John Muir Wilderness runs along the crest of the Sierra Nevadas, offering snow-capped peaks, expansive meadows, and abundant wildlife. Named after the advocate for wildlands, this wilderness area is home to iconic trails like the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, attracting visitors from around the world.
The Ansel Adams Wilderness, also in California, is located near Yosemite National Park and features the stunning Minaret mountains. Renamed in honor of the famous photographer Ansel Adams, this wilderness area offers diverse landscapes, including the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and Devils Postpile National Monument. Visitors can explore the backcountry lakes, forests, and rugged terrain that inspired Adams‘ iconic photographs.
In Nevada, the Mount Rose Wilderness borders the city of Reno, offering a wilderness experience close to urban areas. Popular trails like Mount Rose and Tahoe Rim attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning views and wildlife sightings. Wildflowers bloom in the alpine meadows during the summer months, adding to the beauty of this accessible wilderness area.
Utah’s Mount Timpanogos Wilderness is known for its fantastic mountain climbing opportunities and scenic alpine meadows. Weekend hikes to the summit of Mount Timpanogos draw thousands of visitors, showcasing the popularity of this wilderness area. Wildlife such as Rocky Mountain goats, mule deer, elk, and moose can be spotted in the forests and meadows, adding to the allure of this natural paradise.
The High Uintas Wilderness in Utah is a beloved destination for rock climbers, hunters, and hikers seeking adventure in the Uinta Mountains. Home to diverse wildlife, including cougars, black bears, bighorn sheep, and river otters, this wilderness area offers over 700 miles of trails for exploration. The cold rivers and alpine lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing and water activities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
In North Carolina, the Linville Gorge Wilderness is known as the „Grand Canyon of North Carolina“ for its scenic river gorge and old-growth forests. This rugged terrain has preserved the wilderness for generations, offering opportunities for rock climbing, scenic viewing, backpacking, hunting, and fishing. Visitors can explore the diverse landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy the solitude of this pristine wilderness area.
The Shining Rock Wilderness in North Carolina is named after a white quartz outcropping near Shining Rock Mountain. This expansive wilderness area is the largest in the state, featuring streams, rivers, and grassy balds that showcase the area’s logging and wildfire history. Cold Mountain and the West Fork of Pigeon River are notable landmarks within the wilderness, attracting visitors seeking a remote and rugged outdoor experience.
In Montana and Wyoming, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness offers a vast expanse of rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Granite Peak, Montana’s tallest peak, and the Beartooth Plateau are highlights of this wilderness area, providing opportunities for backpacking, hiking, and exploration. The neighboring Absaroka mountain range extends to the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, offering over 700 miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho and Montana is a vast and remote wilderness area that is legendary among backpackers for its expansive and wild experience. With rugged trails, coniferous canyons, and valleys, this wilderness area is home to abundant wildlife, including the Selway elk herd and packs of grey wolves. The Wild and Scenic Selway River offers premier whitewater rafting opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor adventurers.
Overall, these wilderness areas across the United States offer a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the backcountry or thrilling adventures in the mountains, there is a wilderness area for every outdoor enthusiast to discover and appreciate.
