Cedar Bench Wilderness

Cedar Bench Wilderness is a 16,009-acre federally protected wilderness area in Arizona managed by the Forest Service. This is primitive backcountry where no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted—it's the real thing for hikers and backpackers seeking genuine solitude and untracked terrain.

The wilderness offers hiking and backpacking across a landscape shaped by natural processes alone. You'll move on foot through country unmarked by development, where the absence of trails and infrastructure is the point. Wildlife viewing and photography are natural byproducts of backcountry travel here.

Access and logistics matter: there are no roads into the wilderness, and you must plan your own route and camp responsibly. Leave No Trace principles aren't suggestions—they're how the wilderness stays wild. Seasonal weather will determine when travel is feasible; spring and fall tend to offer the most stable conditions, while winter and summer present their own challenges. Come prepared for self-sufficiency and committed to leaving no trace.