The wilderness lies within the rugged Peloncillo Range, which stretches from Mexico to the Gila River. This remote and primitive area flanking the New Mexico state line shows little signs of human activity. The Peloncillo Mountain Wilderness offers outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation, including hiking, backpacking, rock scrambling, hunting and sightseeing. The higher country offers long-distance views; and excellent scenery enhances wilderness values in the rugged mountains and canyons.

The 19,440-acre Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness is located 9 miles northeast of San Simon, Arizona, in Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties.

The Black Hills Back Country Byway is unpaved, but is accessible to high clearance vehicles during dry weather. Portions of the byway have narrow drop-offs or are confined by steep cliffs. Do not attempt the byway if you have a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long. Motor homes and trailers can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end. Please take extra care to drive defensively on this route. Always expect a vehicle around the next bend and remember: mountain courtesy gives uphill traffic the right of way.

The Black Hills Back Country Byway offers 21 miles of back country driving adventure through the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Along the Byway are sweeping views of the Black Hills, Gila Mountains, Mount Graham, and the Gila River Valley. Major attractions seen from the Byway include the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) along the Gila River, the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine at Morenci, a Civilian Conservation Corps work camp, over 100 erosion-control structures, and a historic prison labor camp. Side trips off the Byway provide access to the Gila River and spectacular overlooks of the Gila River Canyon within the NCA.