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Needle's Eye Wilderness

Winkelman, Arizona · Gila County

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 activi…

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33.14664, -110.62068
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About Needle's Eye Wilderness

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.

Plan Your Visit to Needle's Eye Wilderness

Heading to Needle's Eye 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 Needle's Eye Wilderness?

No central reservation system listed for Needle's Eye Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13436) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Needle's Eye Wilderness?

The Needle's Eye Wilderness is located in Arizona.

How do I contact Needle's Eye Wilderness?

You can reach the park at phone: (520) 258-7200 or email: blm_az_tfoweb@blm.gov.