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Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness

Topock, Arizona · San Bernardino County

The Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 85,840 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, …

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About Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness

The Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 85,840 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:Plan Ahead and PrepareTravel and Camp on Durable SurfacesDispose of Waste ProperlyLeave What You FindMinimize Campfire ImpactsRespect WildlifeBe Considerate of Other VisitorsRegulations:Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

How to Get There

Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness lies 10 miles southeast of Needles, California along US Highway 95, in San Bernardino County. The twelve mile long Trampas Wash cuts its way through the mountains and provides the easiest hiking access into the interior of the wilderness and the Colorado River from the west side. Maps of the area can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management Field Offices in Needles, California or Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness

Heading to Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness?

No central reservation system listed for Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13366) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness?

Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness lies 10 miles southeast of Needles, California along US Highway 95, in San Bernardino County. The twelve mile long Trampas Wash cuts its way through the mountains and provides the easiest hiking access into the interior of the wilderness and the Colorado River from the west side. Maps of the area can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management Field Offices in Ne…

How do I contact Chemehuevi Mountains Wilderness?

You can reach the park at phone: 760-326-7000 or email: BLM_CA_Web_NE@blm.gov.