Wilderness
"The great purpose is to set aside a reasonable part of the vanishing wilderness, to make certain that generations of Americans yet unborn will know what it is to experience life on undeveloped, unoccupied land in the same form and character as the Creator fashioned it... It is a great spiritual experience." - Frank Church
Kanab Creek Wilderness
North Kaibab Ranger District
Flowing from its origin some 50 miles to the north in southern Utah, Kanab Creek and its tributaries have cut a network of vertical-walled gorges deep into the Kanab and Kaibab Plateaus. Within these walls lies a maze of water and wind carved fins, knobs, potholes, and other intricately sculptured forms. Elevations range from near 2,000 feet at the river to 6,000 feet at the rim's edge. The upper reaches serve as a winter range for the Kaibab mule deer. Vegetation is varied and sparse except for heavy riparian growth in the creek bottom. There are few dependable water sources here for man or beast during the summer months when temperatures approach 120 degrees. A number of trails lead into this rather hostile environment but many are poorly marked and infrequently maintained. Limited and arduous access to the Kanab Creek area adds a measure of remoteness that says this is truly wilderness.
Saddle Mountain Wilderness
North Kaibab Ranger District
Elevations range from 6,000 feet to over 8,000 feet. The name originates from the profile of a prominent ridge that appears from the distance as a "saddle", horn and all. Vegetation is diverse. It ranges from pinyon pine - Utah juniper in the lower areas to mixed conifers in the highlands. The lower elevations provide valuable mule deer winter range, whereas the higher elevations of the southern portion provide summer habitat for deer and blue grouse. In the upper portion of House Rock Valley a herd of buffalo roam.
Kendrick Mountain Wilderness
Williams Ranger District
Kendrick Mountain Wilderness is located on the eastern edge of the Williams Ranger District, straddling a boundary with the Coconino National Forest. Ranging from just over 7,000 feet to 10,418 feet. The Kendrick Mountain Wilderness covers the slopes of northern Arizona's second highest peak. The vast majority of this alpine area is forested, ranging from stands of ponderosa pine mixed with Gambel Oak at lower altitudes, to alpine spruce and fir near the summit. Much of the steeper parts of Kendrick contain old growth forest that contributes valuable habitat for the Mexican spotted owl, bear, and Northern goshawk. Wildflower covered meadows break the tree cover at a number of places, providing forage for mule deer and elk as well as viewpoints and lunch spots for forest visitors. Kendrick Mountain is one of many remnants of the vast San Francisco Mountain volcanic field that stretches from near Seligman on the west and east beyond Flagstaff to Canyon Diablo. Three hiking trails offer access to the wilderness.
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
Williams Ranger District
Established in 1935, this area contains a unique canyon-land environment. Sycamore Canyon cuts through the Mogollon Rim, then drops off the Colorado Plateau with an unmatched flourish of red rock buttes and sheer cliffs. It winds for 20 miles along Sycamore Creek and at places stretches 7 miles from rim to rim.
Wind and water have exposed 7 geological associations of plants and animals set in a spectacular setting of red sandstone, white limestone, and brown lava. This rugged desert canyon is so remote and so unique it was one of the first areas in Arizona to be officially designated and protected as wilderness by the U.S. Congress. The upper reaches of Sycamore Canyon lie at the southeastern edge of the Kaibab National Forest. A limited number of forest roads and trails provide access.
The Sycamore Trail skirts the canyon's upper reaches and provides a number of jumping off places for further exploration. Although mountain bikes and other vehicles are excluded from the wilderness, the Sycamore Canyon Scenic drive and bike route provides an excellent vantage for enjoying the scenery it holds. Additional routes into the area are available from the Coconino National Forest.