About Coyote Mountains Wilderness
The 5,080-acre Coyote Mountains Wilderness is located 40 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The wilderness includes the Coyote Mountains with their rugged peaks, massive, rounded bluffs, sheer cliff faces, and large open canyons. The vegetation includes palo verde, saguaro, chaparral, and oak woodlands. Recreation opportunities such as day hikes, climbing, sightseeing, and photography are enhanced by the diverse topography, scenic character, and the botanical, wildlife, and cultural values of the area. The area offers many challenges to the wilderness recreationist.
How to Get There
40 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. From Tucson, take Highway 86 west toward the Kitt Peak Observatory then south on Highway 286 for approximately 8 miles. The Coyote Mountains lie four miles east of Kitt Peak.Currently, there is no legal access to the Coyote Mountains Wilderness. Permission to park and access to the wilderness boundary must be obtained from the private landholder or the Tohono O'odham Nation.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Coyote Mountains Wilderness
Heading to Coyote Mountains Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Coyote Mountains Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Coyote Mountains Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16612) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Coyote Mountains Wilderness?
40 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. From Tucson, take Highway 86 west toward the Kitt Peak Observatory then south on Highway 286 for approximately 8 miles. The Coyote Mountains lie four miles east of Kitt Peak.Currently, there is no legal access to the Coyote Mountains Wilderness. Permission to park and access to the wilderness boundary must be obtained from the private landholde…
How do I contact Coyote Mountains Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: (520) 258-7200 or email: blm_az_tfoweb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources