Mountain Wilderness

Petroglyphs in the Bridge Canyon Wilderness, Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Peter Landres

Wilderness is a culturally constructed concept, rooted in different perspectives about the 'wild' landscapes that we live near or in, including mountain wilderness. Historically, perspectives have varied depending on the community, ranging from spaces ventured into for spiritual awakening and sustenance, to spaces to be avoided because of uncertainty and risk, to spaces so closely linked to identity that these places cannot be separated from perspectives of self and community.

The National Park Service preserves wilderness character in more than 50 NPS units across the country.

In 1964, Congress passed the Wilderness Act, a federal law that created the National Wilderness Preservation System and instructed land managers to preserve wilderness character. We define wilderness character as a combination of tangible and intangible qualities related to the biophysical environment, personal experiences, and symbolic meanings. Wilderness character looks and feels differently depending on the wilderness area. Mountain wilderness is as diverse and culturally distinct as the people connected to these important places, from the far northern reaches of Alaska's Brooks Range in the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness to the deciduous forests of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Wilderness.

Mountain wilderness areas protect jagged peaks, alpine meadows, rushing rivers, and more. What connects you to these special places?

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  Buffalo National River Wilderness

  Explore this Midwest wilderness located in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

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  Chiricahua National Monument Wilderness

  A hiking guide for trails in the wilderness and monument, situated within Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains.

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  Gates of the Arctic Wilderness

  Get familiar with the Brooks Range as you learn about visiting this vast wilderness park in Alaska.

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  Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness

  Plan your backpacking trip through the wilderness of Texas' Guadalupe Mountains.

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  Lassen Volcanic Wilderness

  Learn more about this California wilderness area in the Cascade Mountains.

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  Rocky Mountain Wilderness

  Explore the Wilderness areas that define Rocky Mountain National Park.

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  Shenandoah Wilderness

  Check out these videos and information describing this wilderness area in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

National Park Service Wilderness Resources

Interested in learning more about wilderness in the National Park Service?

Wilderness Heritage

NPS Wilderness YouTube Channel

Wilderness Connect