Mount Wilson Wilderness

The 23,900-acre Mount Wilson Wilderness Area is located in Mohave County, Arizona, approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, and 60 miles northwest of Kingman, Arizona.

The wilderness encompasses eight miles of Wilson Ridge and its summit, the 5,445-foot-high Mount Wilson. This mountain range, largely contained within the wilderness, is the most prominent range in the Hoover Dam area.

The area's forbidding and stark landscape contains several dependable springs which sustain a surprisingly wide variety of wildlife, most notably a population of desert bighorn sheep. 

With a vertical relief of over 3,000 feet, visitors hiking along Wilson Ridge can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Mead and the colorful cliffs, badlands, and mountains extending to the farthest horizon.

When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and embrace the seven Leave No Trace principles to help preserve its natural beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert may differ from what's best in mountainous terrain.

Know Before You Go

• A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended to gain access to this wilderness.
• The terrain in this wilderness is extremely rugged. No trails are present, although sometimes burro and sheep trails can be located and followed.
• The summer climate in this wilderness unit is harsh. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are over 100 degrees. Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30th.
• Water is scarce in this part of the Black Mountains. It can usually be found at Missouri Spring and at Wildhorse Spring, located northeast of Mount Wilson. Ephemeral water can sometimes be found in rain pockets following storms.
• Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
• Most of the lands surrounding the wilderness are administered by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Obey all National Park Service public use and off-road-vehicle restrictions when accessing the Mount Wilson wilderness.