The area was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System on December 19, 1980 by Public Law 95-550.

It consists of the drainage basins of three small creeks, Cruces, Beaver, and Diablo-Escondido, which join each other and flow into the Rio de los Pinos, a tributary of the Rio Grande, at the northern edge of the wilderness.

With elevations ranging from 8,525–10,900 feet (2,598–3,322 m), the wilderness basin contains forest, meadows, and rock features.

[2][3] The area consists of spruce-fir, ponderosa pine, and aspen forests as well as high elevation grassy meadows.

[2] The area provides habitat for elk, deer, mountain lion, black bear and coyote.