Juniper Mesa Wilderness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Juniper Mesa Wilderness |
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IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
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 Juniper Mesa Wilderness
Location in the United States
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| Location | Yavapai County, Arizona, United States |
| Nearest city | Paulden |
| Area | 7,406 acres (2,997 ha) |
| Established | 1984 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
The Juniper Mesa Wilderness is a special natural area in Arizona. It covers about 7,406 acres (2,997 hectares) and is part of the Prescott National Forest. You can find it in the Juniper Mountains, about an hour's drive northwest of Prescott. This wilderness area is high up, with elevations ranging from about 5,600 to 7,000 feet (1,700 to 2,100 meters). It was officially protected in 1984.
Amazing Landscape
The Juniper Mesa Wilderness has a unique landscape. The flat top of the mesa is made of sandstone and limestone. This mesa is surrounded by granite rock. It's like a leftover piece of a much bigger, ancient land called the Colorado Plateau.
Deep, steep canyons cut through the mesa, making for dramatic views. If you look south and east, you can see other beautiful wilderness areas. These include Apache Creek Wilderness, Granite Mountain, Woodchute, and Sycamore Canyon.
Plants and Animals
Many different plants and animals live in Juniper Mesa Wilderness. On the southern slopes of the mesa, you'll mostly see Pinyon pine trees and Utah juniper trees. On the northern slopes, you'll find more ponderosa pine trees and alligator juniper trees.
You might also spot some amazing wildlife here. Common animals include black bears, elk, and mule deer. You could also see bobcats and Abert's squirrels.
Fun Activities
Juniper Mesa Wilderness offers many ways to enjoy nature. You can go hiking and backpacking through the trails. Horse riding is also a popular activity here. It's a great place for camping and watching wildlife. If you like hunting, you can hunt for deer and small game.
There are about 15 miles (24 kilometers) of trails to explore. The main trail is the Juniper Mesa Trail, which is about 6.3 miles (10.1 kilometers) long. It starts at Juniper Springs and connects with other trails like Oaks and Willows Trail, Juniper Springs Trail, and Bull Springs Trail.
