Designated wilderness areas are delightful places to experience the magical unfolding of spring. Wild lands offer magnificent destinations for outdoor recreation - whether it's hiking, wildlife-watching, climbing, canoeing, or snowshoeing.

Here are our a few of favorite wild places to escape to:

1. Hain Wilderness, California. Renamed from Pinnacles Wilderness last summer, these lands make up more than 80% of Pinnacles National Monument, where visitors can enjoy rock spires, Chalone Peak, creeks, canyons and caves. Pinnacles is also known for its wildflowers, condors, and challenging rock climbing opportunities – certainly too much to take in in one day so thankfully there are camping facilities as well.   

High Peaks Trail in Pinnacles Wilderness. Photo: flickr, MiguelVieira

2. San Rafael Wilderness, California. In the mountains of north central Santa Barbara County is the first primitive area to be reclassified as American wilderness. Enclosed within the Los Padres National Forest, this historical land also has the oldest sanctuary for condors. Its Mediterranean climate makes it perfect for Spring visitors, especially since many areas are closed during fire season July through November. Spring may also offer waters high enough for river runners, who can travel its Wild and Scenic Sisquoc River over waterfalls and past archaeological sites. Wildflowers are abundant March through June, as are campsites. 

Sisquoc River in San Rafael Wilderness. Photo: flickr, cm195902.

Explore this map to find designated Wilderness lands near you:

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3. Agua Tibia Wilderness, California. ln Cleveland National Forest near San Diego is Agua Tibia Wilderness. Summer temperatures can rise above 100 degrees F, so spring is an ideal time to enjoy its normally dry slopes, which may even be flowering from recent rains. Hikers that venture onto its Dripping Springs Trail will cross Arroyo Seco Creek and climb Agua Tibia Mountain, where their 7-mile trek is rewarded with magnificent views of southern California’s mountains. Be advised that campfires are not allowed in this arid region.

Above right: Painting in Agua Tibia Wilderness. Photo: wilderness.net/Chris Barns

4. Beauty Mountain Wilderness, California. Beauty Mountain Wilderness encompasses the rugged slopes of Beauty Mountain, a gigantic plateau and deep canyons. In addition to stunning geographic features, its Million Dollar Spring is considered one of the most immaculate watersheds in southwestern California. In this fast-growing region, this  spacious wild land offers spring visitors the chance to witness unique wildlife, including the endangered California gnatchater and Quino checkerspot butterfly. 

Beauty Mountain. Photo: Douglas Steakley.

5. Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico. Pecos Wilderness in north central New Mexico has been named one of the best places for backpacking in the West. With the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forests, canyons and mesas, the landscapes here are as diverse as it's wildlife. Both pretty secluded and relatively accessible, this wilderness can be a great place for spring fishing, just be aware that there are camping restrictions on the lakeshores.

East Pecos Baldy Summit in Pecos Wilderness. Photo: flickr, justtoolazy.

6. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina and Tennessee. "I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree," Joyce Kilmer once wrote. Joyce Kilmer- Slickrock Wilderness fittingly stretches between two of America's most lovely forests - the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina and the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Tennessee. In fact it is one of the largest tracts of old growth forest east of the Mississippi River with many trees hundreds of years old, which should all be bursting with green in spring. Camping is permitted anywhere in the small Tennessee portion of the Wilderness, but sections in North Carolina are closed.

Dog in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Photo: flickr, cm195902.

7. Southern Nantahala Wilderness, North Carolina and Georgia. Southern Nantahala Wilderness crosses through Southern Appalachia's Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. Four miles of the Appalachian Trail are the only developed trails in Georgia, but hikers can access roadbeds to venture into truly rugged woods. In North Carolina, almost trails are challenging to find and to traverse, but well worth the backpacking adventure. And unlike more northernly destinations, this wild land's nighttime temperatures shouldn't drop too low in spring.

Water fall in Chattahoochee National Forest. Photo: flickr, popofatticus.

8. Boulder River Wilderness, Washington. Although Boulder River Wilderness rests in the North Cascades of Washington state, its lower elevation means the likelihood of snow in spring is diminished and waterfalls will likely be bursting with seasonal rains. The Boulder River Trail is one of many that winds through the virgin Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Narrow spires known as Three Fingers sprout up in the center, and wildlife such as black bears, deer, elk and mountain goats roam its lands. 

Boulder River Wilderness. Photo: Christopher Cumming.

9. Mt. Baker Wilderness, Washington. East of Seattle and west of North Cascades National Park, fourteen glaciers cover towering peaks like the volcanic Mt. Baker. The Mt. Baker Wilderness is an ideal destination in spring for mountain climbers and winter recreationists who want to make the most of the end of the cold season. Artist Point is renowned for snowshoeing and trails in the valley remain very popular year-round. 

Volunteer Wilderness Rangers hike up snowy Granite Mountain in Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Photo: flickr, USDAgov/Kelly Sprute.

10. Margory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, Florida. Most of Everglades National Park is designated as Wilderness, and it's less humid to visit earlier in the year. These marshes are home to splendid wildlife such as alligators and numerous colorful birds like flamingos, egrets, and ibis. From the main access road, you can access trails from one to 13 miles in length. Or you can take a canoe on the Wilderness Waterway through the saltwater Bay to see almost every creature that lives in the Caribbean, including sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and manatees. 

Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail in Everglades National Park. Photo: flickr, MiguelVieira.

11. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Arizona. Winding for over 20 miles along Sycamore Creek, this is one of Arizona's most spectacular canyons with layered walls of red sandstone, white limestone and brown lava. The creek supports habitat for ring-tailed cats, black bears, mountain lions, canyon wrens and rattlesnakes. The 11-mile Sycamore Rim Trail Loop offers stunning views. Summers can be unbearably hot, so spring is ideal, but be sure to bring plenty of water.

Above left: Water spring in Sycamore Canyon. Photo: flickr, tombothetominator.

12. Indian Mounds Wilderness, Texas. This place is named for unusual "hills" that are the result of natural processes. Visitors can also enjoy old-growth trees, groves of American beech trees or the yellow lady's slipper orchid. This is a good spot to take your horse, or you can access some parts via the nearby reservoir on your boat. As most are aware, Texas isn't the most hospitable in summer months, so planning for spring instead may be a worthwhile idea.

Indian Mounds Wilderness. Photo: wilderness.net/Friends of Allegheny Wilderness/Kirk Johnson

See also:

• Obama Creates Pinnacles National Park in California
• Wilderness.net's Find a Wilderness
• National Monument Designation
• Leave No Trace insider tips
• Tips for Camping