Blue Range Wilderness Area

Located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona.

This 173,762-acre area, designated in 1933, is now completely within the state of Arizona. The other 29,304-acre portion in New Mexico became the new Blue Range Wilderness with passage of the 1980 New Mexico Wilderness Act.

Lying at the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, the Blue Range is rugged and beautiful with many geologic and scenic attractions, including timbered ridges and deep canyons. The Mogollon Rim, made famous as the "Tonto Rim" in Zane Grey's books, crosses the area from west to east. This rim, unique both from geological and ecological standpoints, is further enhanced by the spectacular Blue River Canyon and river. There is spruce and fir in the high country, and ponderosa pine, pinion and juniper in lower areas.

Deer, elk, and other big and small game find food and shelter in the primitive area's more remote reaches.

Trail access is fairly good, but prospective visitors are reminded that this is big, rough, generally dry country.

For further information contact: Alpine Ranger District and Clifton Ranger District - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest