Hells Canyon Wilderness is a 9,951 acre (4,027 ha) wilderness area in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Phoenix in Maricopa and southeast Yavapai counties.

Topography

Hells Canyon Wilderness is a portion of the Hieroglyphic Mountains. The most prominent peaks are Garfias Mountain at 3381 ft and Hellgate Mountain at 3339 ft. Other peaks, most over 3000 ft in elevation, encircle Burro Flats, effectively isolating the flats from the surrounding countryside.

Private Land

On Earth Day, 2008, The Wilderness Land Trust purchased a 640 acre inholding near the center of Hells Canyon Wilderness. The parcel included Hells Canyon itself and had belonged to a Phoenix area land developer. Once the Trust transfers the land to the federal government the entire wilderness area will be publicly owned.

Vegetation

Most of Hells Canyon Wilderness is covered by Sonoran Desert shrub vegetation such as saguaro cactus, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and various desert grasses.

Recreation

Popular recreational activities in Hells Canyon Wilderness include rock climbing, hiking, wildlife watching, and camping.