The sandstone fins, spires, alcoves, and arches of Arch Canyon highlight the 31,300-acre northeast corner of the complex. Several of the arches pocket thin ridgelines high above the 1,000-foot deep canyon gorge. Upper Arch Canyon is managed for primitive recreation by the USDA Forest Service, but the BLM allows off-road vehicles to impact the lower canyon. The North and main forks of Mule Canyon to the southwest are bounded by red and white sandstone cliffs. Cottonwoods, aspen, and other water-loving plants thrive near canyon mouths.
Mule deer move through the country during spring and fall migrations.
Cougar, bobcat, ring-tailed cat, and coyote make a living in this remote land of high rims, deep canyons, and windblown plateaus. In some instances priceless archeological sites have been vandalized. But damage also stems from innocent hiker impacts. A vital part of no-trace camping is ethical backcountry archaeology, which is mostly a matter of common sense. Never camp within ruins or any type of cultural site.