New Water Mountains Wilderness Area

New Water Mountains Wilderness Area is a 24,686-acre federally protected wilderness in Arizona managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It's a primitive backcountry landscape where you'll experience remote hiking and backpacking in a non-motorized environment far from roads and development.

The wilderness is reserved for foot travel only. No motors, bicycles, or mechanized equipment are permitted—the intent is to preserve the landscape and ensure solitude and ecological integrity. If you visit, you're responsible for leaving no trace: pack out all waste, camp on durable surfaces away from water, and travel quietly to minimize impact on the land and wildlife.

Access is on foot from trailheads outside the wilderness boundary. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable hiking conditions in Arizona's high-desert terrain. Summer heat and winter cold both present challenges, so plan accordingly. Come prepared for self-sufficiency: water sources may be limited, navigation requires a map and compass or GPS, and you won't find services or rescue infrastructure inside the boundary.