The 8,760-acre Needle’s Eye Wilderness in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. 

In 1990, the Needle’s Eye Wilderness became part of the now over 109-million-acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Obtain a recreation permit from the San Carlos Apache Indian Tribe before crossing Reservation lands. Ask for permission to cross State Trust lands and private lands in advance.

When exploring this unique area, please follow all posted regulations and embrace the seven Leave No Trace principles to help preserve its natural beauty and the exceptional recreation experiences it offers. Keep in mind that applying the seven Leave No Trace principles may vary — what works in a desert may differ from what’s best in mountainous terrain.

Explore Nearby

• Oracle State Park — State Park in Arizona
• McFarland State Historic Park — State Park in Arizona
• Tonto National Forest — National Forest in Arizona
• Fountain Hills, Arizona Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Arizona
• Coronado Trail Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Arizona