What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Canyon Road Trail
Canyon Road Trail is the most popular and longest route in the Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness. The trail meanders through hillsides and broad valleys, offering visitors stunning views of the area's rugged mountains. Canyon Road Trail has an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. This route includes long uphill and downhill hiking stretches.
Length: 18 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Pepperwood Height Trail
The Pepperwood Height Trail begins at Cottonwood Campground. It offers hikers splendid views of desert plant life and unique rock formations. The trail has an elevation gain of 3,278 feet.
Length: 14 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
When visiting the Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness, you can enjoy fishing and water-oriented activities like kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing at the various lakes and reservoirs scattered throughout the area. For example, Murray Reservoir is an excellent fishing spot that features a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and catfish.
Climbing
The Sawtooth Mountains feature numerous cliffs and rock faces that provide an ideal rock climbing and bouldering setting for climbers visiting the wilderness. Visitors can also head to nearby Joshua Tree National Park, which features over 8,000 climbs, making it one of the best destinations for rock climbers of all skill levels.
Wildlife Viewing
The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness allows visitors to spot amazing wild animals and unique plant species. The region is home to various species of plants, including cholla cactus, creosote bush, ocotillo, desert lavender, prickly pear, and yucca. The area is also inhabited by numerous species of birds and mammals, including bats, eagles, hawks, falcons, mountain lions, elk, black bears, deer, coyotes, squirrels, foxes, chipmunks, porcupines, and weasels. Guests can also view reptiles such as rattlesnakes and lizards.
Picnicking
The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness offers a serene setting for picnicking, allowing visitors to unwind and enjoy the scenic views of the desert landscape. The picnic tables in the area also allow visitors to enjoy a unique outdoor dining experience.