Upper Burro Creek Wilderness, Natural wilderness area in Mohave County, Arizona
Upper Burro Creek Wilderness is a protected natural area that spans basalt plateaus and desert grasslands across Arizona. The creek cuts deep channels through the bedrock, creating a landscape of canyons, open plains, and scattered vegetation that changes with elevation and water availability.
The area received protected status in 1990 when the Bureau of Land Management designated it as a wilderness zone to safeguard Burro Creek and its surroundings. This decision reflected a commitment to keeping the landscape free from major development and industrial use.
The area serves as a refuge for mountain lions, mule deer, javelinas, and over 150 bird species that move through the landscape throughout the seasons. This abundance of wildlife gives the place a wild, living quality that visitors can sense while walking through the grasslands and along water sources.
Access requires four-wheel-drive vehicles, as clay-rich roads become difficult to navigate during rainy periods, making seasonal planning important for any visit. Travelers should prepare for rough terrain and rough conditions, and timing a trip during drier months helps avoid road problems.
The creek drops about 1,500 feet over a short distance, creating a series of clear blue pools connected by waterfalls carved into the bedrock. This dramatic change in elevation surprises many visitors, as such water features are uncommon in Arizona wilderness areas.
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