The southwest portion of the Arica Mountains lies within the Palen/McCoy Wilderness Area.

Within the Palen-McCoy Wilderness are the Arica, Granite, Palen, Little Maria, and McCoy Mountains, which are five distinct mountain ranges separated by broad sloping alluvial fans-bajadas.

Because this large area incorporates so many major geological features, the diversity of vegetation and landforms is exceptional.

The desert wash woodland found here provides food and cover for burro deer, coyote, bobcat, gray fox, and mountain lion.

Desert pavement, bajadas, interior valleys, canyons, dense ironwood forests, canyons and rugged peaks form a constantly changing landscape pattern.