New Water Mountains Wilderness

The New Water Mountains Wilderness is about 24,600 acres on the northern boundary of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. And the name is a good one: if you don't bring your own water, you won't have any water.

There's about 20 old jeep trails running through this colorful but stark landscape. There's several natural arches, the ridges are sharp, there's great rock outcroppings and spires, and the canyons are pure slickrock... The highest point in the New Water Mountains Wilderness is Black Mesa (3,639'), a large volcanic butte on the northwest corner of the property. What little vegetation there is is mostly giant saguaro, ocotillo, creosote bush, and cholla with ironwood and paloverde running along the washes. This is a prime lambing area, in season, for desert bighorn sheep. In another season, you'll find hunters all over this place looking for mule deer and sheep.

The western boundary of the New Water Mountains Wilderness can be accessed via the Gold Nugget Road going south from exit 26 on the I-10. The Ramsey Mine Road going south from Highway 60 will give access to the north-central part of the wilderness.

USGS Maps: 7.5 minute: New Water Mountains, New Water Well, Crystal Hill