Tres Alamos Wilderness

Overview

The 8,300-acre Tres Alamos Wilderness is in Yavapai County, 80 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona and six miles south of the Santa Maria River.

The eastern part of the wilderness takes in the scenic ridgelines, canyons and washes of the southern Black Mountains, whereas the western side consists mainly of lower desert bajada and plains. Sawyer Peak at 4,293 feet, is the highest point in the wilderness and in the Black Mountains. The colorful monolith of Tres Alamos is the area's most striking landscape feature. Saguaro and paloverde cover the hills and bajadas; Joshua trees and creosote bush dot the plains, and mesquite and acacia line the washes. Wildlife includes the Gila monster, prairie falcon, and golden eagle, and possibly Cooper's hawks and kit fox.

Tres Alamos Wilderness offers landscapes suitable for hiking, backpacking, sight-seeing, photography and camping. Bajadas and plains provide suitable terrain for equestrian use. The area is equally enjoyed by both experienced and novice backcountry users.

Know Before You Go

Tres Alamos Wilderness
Tres Alamos Wilderness

The Tres Alamos Wilderness is located east of Alamo Lake State Park. From Wickenburg, follow highway 60 west to Wenden. Turn north onto a paved road toward Alamo Lake State Park. Turn right (east) onto a bladed dirt road at milepost 28. Drive 3 miles to the intersection with Alamo Lake Road at the Wayside RV Park. Turn right (south) on Alamo Lake Road, drive 0.5 miles and turn left (east) onto Palmerita Road. Drive 5.3 miles and turn right at intersection. Drive 13 miles to the western boundary of Tres Alamos Wilderness. A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended to gain access to this wilderness.

Tres Alamos Wilderness