North of the Gila Valley, Fishhooks Wilderness takes its name from dramatic rock spires that curl along its skyline, resembling giant fishhooks scattered across the landscape. It's one of Graham County's least-visited wilderness areas, and that low visitation is largely a function of its terrain: the wilderness is largely trail-less, meaning there's no maintained path system guiding visitors through the area, and cross-country route-finding skills are essential for anyone heading in.
A Wilderness for Experienced Backcountry Travelers
Because Fishhooks Wilderness lacks maintained trails, it's best suited to experienced hikers comfortable with navigation, rough terrain, and minimal signage or infrastructure. The reward for that effort is solitude — this is one of the quietest wilderness areas in the region, with far fewer visitors than more accessible destinations like Riggs Flat Lake or Roper Lake State Park. The fishhook-shaped rock formations that give the wilderness its name are its most distinctive visual feature, standing out against the surrounding terrain and making for memorable, if hard-earned, views.
Planning a Visit
Given the lack of trails and services, visitors should come prepared with navigation tools such as GPS or detailed topographic maps, plenty of water, and a clear understanding of their route before setting out, since getting lost is a real risk in trail-less terrain. Check current conditions and access points before heading out, as roads leading toward the wilderness boundary can vary in quality. Fishhooks Wilderness fits into the broader pattern of remote, lightly visited backcountry areas north of the Gila Valley, alongside places like the Black Hills Backcountry Byway, and is best approached by visitors specifically seeking solitude and a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience rather than an easy day hike. Anyone drawn to the area's namesake rock formations should treat the trip as a serious backcountry outing, telling someone their planned route and expected return time before setting out.