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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Chambless Rock Collecting Area

Essex, California · San Bernardino County

This area, on the southern boundary of the Trilobite Wilderness, is a popular place to explore for hemetite and magnetite, found in reddish-brown iron deposits near mining shafts, and for green epidote, found in the washes. An abandoned quarry yields sizable chunks of limestone and marble. In adjacent canyons tiny garn…

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34.56253, -115.52258
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About Chambless Rock Collecting Area

This area, on the southern boundary of the Trilobite Wilderness, is a popular place to explore for hemetite and magnetite, found in reddish-brown iron deposits near mining shafts, and for green epidote, found in the washes. An abandoned quarry yields sizable chunks of limestone and marble. In adjacent canyons tiny garnets, with dark red and brown crystals, can be found. Epidote is also scattered about and much of it contains bright metallic hematite blades. Farther east in yet another canyon you will find a gray ridge of limestone embedded with many interesting fossils.

How to Get There

From Needles, CA, take I-40 west approx. 25 miles to the Mountain Springs Road exit. Exit south and take National Trails Highway west approx. 35 miles to BLM Route NS328 (just west of Chambless, CA). Turn right onto NS328 and drive approx. 2 miles. The rock collecting area will be on both sides of the route.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Chambless Rock Collecting Area

Heading to Chambless Rock Collecting Area? 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 Chambless Rock Collecting Area?

No central reservation system listed for Chambless Rock Collecting Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14868) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Chambless Rock Collecting Area?

From Needles, CA, take I-40 west approx. 25 miles to the Mountain Springs Road exit. Exit south and take National Trails Highway west approx. 35 miles to BLM Route NS328 (just west of Chambless, CA). Turn right onto NS328 and drive approx. 2 miles. The rock collecting area will be on both sides of the route.

How do I contact Chambless Rock Collecting Area?

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