Some of the largest acreage of virgin ponderosa pine in the southwest stands on Bear Wallow Wilderness, venerable reminders of a once extensive forest of these giants. Down the length of the area, through a forested land of pine, fir and spruce, Bear Wallow Creek flows beautifully year-round, providing a suitable habitat for the endangered Apache trout, shaded by green riparian hardwoods. Fishing is allowed in the creek and its north and south forks. Early explorers were impressed by the large number of well used wallows indicative of the plentiful population of black bears. Black bears still abound, and you may see elk, deer, squirrels and a diverse community of smaller mammals, birds and reptiles.
Wildflowers bloom in profusion, especially during the summer rains.
Poison ivy grows tall and dangerously abundant here. Five trails offer foot and horse access to Bear Wallow. Bear Wallow Trail follows the rocky streambed a total of 7.6 miles to the boundary of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. From atop the Mogollon Rim the views are tremendous. To enter the San Carlos Reservation requires an advance permit.