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Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area

The Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area is located outside of Needles, California in the Mojave Desert. The area offers spectacular desert views and is a favorite location for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, backpackers, and photographers. There are also many opportunities for spotting wildlife. In addition to the amazing scenery, visitors can also collect rocks, including colorful pieces of jasper. This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area is not accessible for camping in an RV, but you can find other nearby BLM sites with camping options by searching for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Picture Canyon Trail

Located in the nearby Dead Mountains Wilderness Area, this trail is open all year and provides gorgeous views of the Mohave Desert landscape.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Grapevine Canyon Trail

This trail in the Spirit Mountain Wilderness of Nevada gives visitors a chance to view incredible rock formations and spot wildlife.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Kelso Dunes Trail

This trail offers spectacular views of the area's unique landscape, including many native desert plants.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Teutonia Peak Trail

This sandy trail is ideal for hikers looking for a bit of a challenge and rewards them with beautiful views from the top of the peak.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Special Activities and Recreation Area Crack Trail

This trail is one of the most popular in the area, but hikers can still enjoy the quiet and solitude this trail offers.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Colorado River is one of the most popular nearby locations for fishing, boating, and swimming. Many anglers catch bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish. You can fish or launch a boat from several locations — many people like to fish in the Parker Strip Recreation Area.

Climbing

Crab Claw Rock is, by far, the most popular rock-climbing location in the area. The rock offers top-rope and traditional routes plus several options for bouldering near the rock's base. The routes vary in difficulty, making the location a good option for climbers of all skill levels.

Wildlife Viewing

The Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area is a fantastic location to view native wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, coyotes, rabbits, javelina, roadrunners, desert tortoises, and several snake and lizard species. Visitors can also head to the nearby Havasu National Wildlife Refuge or the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area to see more wildlife.

Picnicking

SARA Park offers several picnic tables. These tables are available at the summit of the Lizard Peak Loop and the Blue Trail. The park also has lots of hiking options. The Bullfrog Day Use Area, which is located in the Parker Strip Recreation Area, is also an amazing spot for a picnic. The area offers beautiful views of the Colorado River, with shady picnic tables and restrooms on-site.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and other camping options are available in several locations around the Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area. The Havasu RV Resort offers showers, swimming pools, and a laundry facility. The sites at the resort are large enough to accommodate RVs in a range of sizes. The Needles KOA Journey offers large sites, and you'll find a clubhouse, store, and pool on-site. The Havasu Falls RV Resort also has a pool and a laundry area. Each site at the resort has full hookups and a picnic table.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Craggy Wash BLM Campground. There are no amenities, but the campground offers gorgeous views, and you're almost guaranteed a private camping experience. There are also 22 primitive campsites at the Mojave Trails National Monument.

RV Rentals Near Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area BLM trip

The area around the Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area offers many RVing opportunities, but driving into the area can be tricky for larger vehicles. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is often required to reach the rock collecting area. You may want to check the conditions of the local roads before you head out. The area is remote and has few amenities, so bring plenty of water and pack a first-aid kit.

Temperatures at the Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area get hot during summer. The heat and sun can quickly cause exposure or dehydration. It's best to visit during the spring, fall, or winter, but if you plan to trek through the area during the summer, protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses, and stay alert for signs of sunburn, heat stroke, or dehydration. Remember that temperatures drop quickly in the desert when the sun goes down, so bring warm clothing if you plan to stay out past dusk.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and natural areas require care, and using Leave No Trace or tread-lightly guidelines can help. As you're collecting rocks or enjoying the beauty of the Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area, stay aware of your surroundings and take care to leave the local plants and animals undisturbed. Share the area with other visitors. Clean up trash and dispose of it in a designated bin. Before starting a campfire, make sure that the fire danger rating is low. Keep all fires contained and maintain safe campfire practices.

Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area Location

Take I-40 west from Needles for about 20 miles. Take the Water Road exit south and head southeast on BLM Route NS056 – Hightower Road. Continue for about 5 miles before turning left onto BLM Route NS061 – Flattop Mountain Road. Continue for about 4 miles to BLM Route NS064. Turn right. The BLM site is on both sides of the road.

Ready to visit Flattop Mountain Rock Collecting Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.