The wilderness designation protects the Pine Valley Mountain range, a large rock outcrop surrounded by desert.

[1][2] The southern half of the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness area supports a large stand of virgin Engelmann spruce.

The predominant vegetation is mat muhly, subalpine needlegrass, alpine timothy, dandelion, Perry clover, shrubby cinquifoil, yarrow, fleabane, snowberry, and serviceberry.

Because of this isolation there are a number of sub-species of mammals found here, including the Uinta chipmunk, yellow-bellied marmot, and red squirrel.

[4]Common recreational activities in Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness include hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.