How big is GMU 24B in Arizona?

GMU 24B (Unit 24B — Mesa) covers about 779 square miles, ranging from roughly 1,600 to 6,300 feet in elevation. Area is computed from the unit boundary polygon.

What species does the catalog list for GMU 24B?

Bighorn Sheep, Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Black Bear. For seasons, tags, and regulations, use the official Arizona agency resources linked on this page — this page carries no regulatory information.

GMU 24B Unit 24B — Mesa

World-class desert bighorn and big Coues just east of Phoenix

Central Arizona — Superstition Wilderness & Salt River lakes, Tonto NF · Last reviewed 2026-07-12

Area

779

sq mi

Public land

80%

approx.

Elevation

1,600–6,300

feet

Motorized

limited

access

Overview

Unit 24B sits directly east of the Phoenix metro, a rugged tangle of desert canyons and mountains built around the Superstition Wilderness and the Salt River reservoir chain (Canyon and Apache Lakes). It is best known for two trophy species: world-class desert bighorn sheep restored to the Superstition Mountains, and big Coues whitetail in the higher, brushier country. Desert mule deer occupy the lower foothills and the Goldfield Mountains, and a few black bear range the highest ground. Roughly four-fifths of the unit is Tonto National Forest, with about a third of that inside the non-motorized Superstition Wilderness.

Terrain

Rugged Sonoran desert mountains and deep canyons rising from about 1,600 ft at the Salt River lakes to over 6,000 ft on the Superstition crest, with sheer cliff bands, saguaro slopes and rocky mesas.

Cover: Saguaro-palo verde Sonoran desert on the lower slopes, dense interior chaparral and manzanita at mid-elevation, scattered pinyon-juniper and oak up high, with riparian pockets in the canyon bottoms.

Landmarks: Superstition Mountains / Superstition Wilderness · Canyon Lake · Apache Lake · Fish Creek Canyon / Horse Mesa · Goldfield Mountains · Coffee Flat Mountain · Four Peaks foothills (north edge) · Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88)

Access

Roughly 80% is Tonto National Forest with generally good access, but about a third of the unit lies in the Superstition Wilderness where no vehicles are allowed — hunts there are foot or horseback only. The southwestern corner is State Trust land requiring an Arizona recreation permit. The Apache Trail (Hwy 88) is the spine but sections have historically been closed by washouts — verify current status. Heavy metro-area recreation pressure.

Managers: USFS Tonto NF, AZ State Trust (southwestern corner), Private

Access points: AZ Hwy 88 (Apache Trail) — Canyon and Apache Lakes · US 60 / Peralta and Hieroglyphic trailheads (south) · First Water / Superstition Wilderness trailheads · Bush Highway / Salt River access (west) · Forest roads into the Goldfield Mountains

Species notes

Bighorn Sheep

limited trophy

The signature tag — a restored desert bighorn population (transplants 1980s through 2002) now regularly seen at Fish Creek Canyon/Horse Mesa, Canyon Lake, Superstition Mountain, Coffee Flat and the Goldfield Mountains. Managed for trophy Class III-IV rams and considered world-class. Extremely limited, once-in-a-lifetime draw.

→Glass the cliff bands and rocky rims above Canyon Lake and Fish Creek Canyon
→Boat-access the Salt River lakeshore to reach roadless sheep country
→Scout Superstition Mountain and Goldfield rims well ahead of a drawn tag
→Lean on local expertise — this is trophy-management terrain

Whitetail Deer

common trophy

Known for big Coues whitetail in the higher, brushier country of the Superstitions and surrounding ranges. A strong OTC-archery and draw option, though much of the best ground is wilderness and physically demanding.

→Glass steep manzanita and chaparral slopes at dawn and last light from opposing ridges
→Hunt the December rut when bucks move mid-day
→Backpack into the Superstition Wilderness to escape road pressure
→Pick apart bedding cover with a tripod and high-power optics

Mule Deer

limited opportunity

Desert mule deer hold in the lower foothills, saguaro slopes and the Goldfield Mountains, overlapping with Coues at mid-elevation — identify your target before shooting.

→Glass lower desert ridges, washes and the Goldfield foothills
→Watch water sources in hot early seasons
→Hunt the desert-to-chaparral transition where mule deer and Coues mix
→Cover ground glassing open Sonoran country

Black Bear

limited opportunity

A small number of black bear range the highest, brushiest ground; harvest is minimal. Incidental to a deer hunt rather than a primary pursuit.

→Glass high oak and manzanita-berry slopes in fall
→Work shaded canyon bottoms with mast and water
→Check the female harvest closure status before hunting

Pro tips

→About a third of the unit is non-motorized Superstition Wilderness — plan foot or horseback and pack water
→A boat on Canyon or Apache Lake unlocks roadless sheep and deer country
→Verify current Apache Trail (Hwy 88) closures before relying on it for access
→Carry a state land recreation permit for the southwestern State Trust corner
→Start earlier and carry more water than a northern-Arizona hunt — heat and dryness are the real hazard

Watch out for

!Superstition Wilderness (about a third of the unit) is non-motorized
!Apache Trail sections closed by washouts historically — verify status
!State Trust corner needs a recreation permit
!Extreme desert heat and scarce water
!Heavy metro recreation traffic
!Steep cliff bands and rugged canyon terrain

Logistics

Apache Junction, Gold Canyon and the greater Mesa/Phoenix area put full services, lodging and gear minutes from the trailheads — the closest metro of any Arizona big-game unit. Canyon and Apache Lakes offer boat access, camping and marinas. Beyond the pavement, expect foot travel in the wilderness, extreme heat, and very limited water; carry more than you think you need.

Nearest towns: Apache Junction, Mesa, Gold Canyon, Globe, Phoenix

Nearby units

GMU 21 · Unit 21 — Tucson GMU 24A · Unit 24A — Mesa GMU 23 · Unit 23 — Mesa GMU 37B · Unit 37B — Tucson, Mesa

Seasons & regulations

This page carries no season dates or regulations. Get current rules from the official Arizona sources:

Research sources: AZGFD GMU 24B · AZGFD Hunt Arizona / hunt guidelines · Arizona State Land Department — recreation permits · USGS The National Map — Superstition Mountains topography

FAQ

How big is GMU 24B in Arizona?: GMU 24B (Unit 24B — Mesa) covers about 779 square miles, ranging from roughly 1,600 to 6,300 feet in elevation. Area is computed from the unit boundary polygon.
How much public land is in GMU 24B?: Approximately 80% of the unit is public land. Primary managers: USFS Tonto NF, AZ State Trust (southwestern corner), Private. Always verify ownership boundaries on the ground.
What species does the catalog list for GMU 24B?: Bighorn Sheep, Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Black Bear. For seasons, tags, and regulations, use the official Arizona agency resources linked on this page — this page carries no regulatory information.

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