The Navajo Sandstone surface of Canaan Mountain has been carved into ridges, hummocks, hollows, and passageways.

Pinyon pine, manzanita, Gambel oak, and Indian ricegrass are found on the pockets of soil amid the slickrock.

The lower slopes on the eastern side of the wilderness and at the base of the White Cliffs support pinyon-juniper with serviceberry, manzanita, and various grasses.

Other animals include mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, Gambel's quail, mourning dove, several species of nesting raptor, and a number of sensitive animals including the desert shrew, spotted bat, Lewis's woodpecker, and golden eagle.

[3] Trailheads into Canaan Mountain Wilderness are found south of Rockville and at Squirrel and Water canyons north of Colorado City, Arizona.