Ansel Adams Wilderness is a protected expanse of California’s Sierra Nevada at the northern end of the High Sierra, spanning 231,533 acres across Sierra and Inyo National Forests and including most of Devils Postpile National Monument. Established in 1964 as the Minarets Wilderness from the earlier Mount Dana-Minarets Primitive Area, it was expanded and renamed in 1984 to honor photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams. Centered on the glaciated Ritter Range, it contains alpine meadows, lakes, deep river canyons, and basalt columns at Devils Postpile. Its trails, climbing, skiing, and access to major long-distance routes make it a major backcountry destination.