Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Four Peaks Wilderness is a federally protected area of Tonto National Forest. It encompasses 60,740-acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS).

This area is home to unique biodiversity, craggy peaks, ridges, deep canyons, as well as its namesake, Four Peaks. Four Peaks is a single, prominent mountain within the Mazatzal Range with four distinct peaks that can be seen from great distances. Brown’s Peak (7,657’) is the highest of the four peaks. This area features plenty of opportunities for solitude and adventure within a rugged Wilderness. 

ELEVATION RANGE: (approximate): 1,600’-7,657’

HIGHEST POINT: Brown’s Peak (7,657’)

COMMON VEGETATION

In the highest elevations, you will find ponderosa pines and Douglas fir trees, as well as some aspen stands. Lower down there are manzanita, oak, and pinon pine woodlands. Within the canyons, you can find sycamore and cottonwood trees. The lowest elevations include grasslands, succulents such as agave and yucca, along with a variety of cacti, including the saguaro, which is unique to the Sonoran Desert.

COMMON WILDLIFE

Among the many species that inhabit the area are black bears, skunks, coyotes, deer, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders, and more.

RECREATION

Four Peaks Wilderness is accessible via about 40 miles of trails, including a section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT).The trails range in quality from well-maintained to poor.

Among the most popular activities are trail running, hiking, backpacking, and mountain climbing.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR RECREATION

  • Temperatures can vary drastically between elevations. 

  • Lightning storms and flash floods are frequent during the "desert monsoon" season (July-August). 

  • In the winter, it is possible for this area to receive snow. 

  • The area has a few seasonal springs and streams, but it lacks reliable water sources.

REGULATIONS

As a designated Wilderness area, special Wilderness regulations  apply. 

LIST OF TRAILS:

LIST OF TRAILHEADS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS - Four Peaks Wilderness

Wilderness.net

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Solitude. Scenic mountains. Biodiversity.

Cons

Some trails are not well maintained.

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

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