It is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Phoenix in Maricopa and southeast Yavapai counties.

The parcel included Hells Canyon itself and had belonged to a Phoenix area land developer.

Once the Trust transfers the land to the federal government the entire wilderness area will be publicly owned.

[citation needed] Most of Hells Canyon Wilderness is covered by Sonoran Desert shrub vegetation such as saguaro cactus, paloverde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and various desert grasses.

[2] Popular recreational activities in Hells Canyon Wilderness include rock climbing, hiking, wildlife watching, and camping.