More than anything else, the 26,780-acre Santa Teresa Wilderness can be described as remote. Trails exist in many places only as routes kept open by cowboys driving their stock. These mountains are characterized by deep canyons, rocky outcrops and bald summits. Vegetation is predominantly thick chaparral with forests of ponderosa pine occupying high ridges. A stand of Douglas-fir grows on the sheltered north slope of Cottonwood Peak, the highest in the range. The granite cliffs, buttes and ridges of the Santa Teresas lend themselves to the weathering forces of nature in such a way that, in many places, they have been sculpted into strikingly picturesque formations. These natural works of art give the Santa Teresa Wilderness an unmistakable character. Because of this area’s remote nature, it serves as ideal habitat for wildlife species that prefer a high degree of isolation. Among those are black bear and mountain lion. Other desert species, such as mule deer, coatimundi and javelina, can be found here as well. When added to this area’s other notable attributes, the possibility of encountering some of these reclusive residents makes a trip to the Santa Teresa Wilderness well worth the effort.

At a Glance