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Funeral Mountains Wilderness

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

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Funeral Mountains Wilderness

Tasked with overseeing one out of every 10 acres of public land in the US, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aims to protect these precious areas for future generations. One such BLM site is the Funeral Mountains Wilderness, which is located between Barstow, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The western edge of the wilderness is located in Death Valley National Park. Other national parks that you can visit if you’re ready to do a bit of driving include Kings Canyon National Park, seven hours northwest of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness, and Sequoia National Park, which is six and a half hours to the northwest.

The wilderness spans 25,708 acres that span the Funeral Mountains and the Amargosa Desert, and visitors can take in breathtaking rock formations and gorgeous landscapes of limestone cliffs. Peaks, such as Bat Mountain and Pyramid Peak, offer excellent landscape photography opportunities, and visitors can even tackle climbing to some of the summits. Although RV camping is not allowed in the Funeral Mountains Wilderness, you can look for other BLM sites with camping options by searching for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Pyramid Peak Trail

This rugged peak, located within the wilderness area, offers a challenge for experienced hikers and provides amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Length: 9.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail

Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail, an hour southwest of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness, passes through the lowest location in Death Valley, which is well below sea level.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Dantes View Trail

Located in Death Valley National Park, the gentle Dantes View Trail offers incredible views of the valley and the nearby mountain ranges.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Death Valley Natural Bridge Trail

The Natural Bridge Trail in Death Valley crosses a natural rock bridge and offers spectacular views of other fascinating rock formations.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Desolation Canyon Trail

Desolation Canyon Trail, also in Death Valley, meanders through beautifully colored canyons and features incredible views due to the overlook at the end.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Climbing

The rocks around the Funeral Mountain Wilderness and Death Valley National Park do not make for great climbs, but climbing enthusiasts can still find an exciting traditional climbing route at Willow Canyon in Death Valley, an hour and a half southwest of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness. The Barstow area, two hours and 43 minutes to the southwest, also provides many climbing opportunities. There are about 500 climbing routes in the area. The difficulty varies from route to route, and most are sport climbs, but there are still some traditional and top-rope climbs and opportunities for bouldering.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can spot wildlife right in the Funeral Mountains Wilderness. Common species include bighorn sheep, roadrunners, rattlesnakes, foxes, cottontail rabbits, kangaroo rats, and a range of lizards. In Death Valley National Park, you can also visit the geothermal pool that is home to the endangered pupfish.

Picnicking

Hells Gate in Death Valley National Park offers a shaded picnic area and a restroom. The area also offers stunning views of the landscape. The China Ranch Trail Picnic Area, which is an hour and 10 minutes south of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness, is also an excellent spot to enjoy lunch.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can enjoy BLM RV camping at the Furnace Creek Campground, which is 50 minutes northwest of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness. There are hookups for RVs but few other amenities. The campground is open all year, but only a limited number of spots are available during the summer due to the high temperatures. You could also cross the border into Nevada and stay at the Preferred RV Resort, which is located in Pahrump about an hour away from the wilderness area. It features 270 full-hookup sites, free Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facilities, a heated pool, an indoor spa, and much more.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Sunset Campground, which is 50 minutes northwest of the Funeral Mountains Wilderness. It provides 270 sites, and water, toilets, and a dump station are available. Also located 50 minutes to the northwest, Texas Springs Campground is quiet and secluded. There are 92 sites, and each has a table and fire pit. There is also a dump station, and potable water is available.

RV Rentals Near Funeral Mountains Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Funeral Mountains Wilderness BLM trip

The area around the Funeral Mountains Wilderness sees relatively mild winters, but summer, late spring and early fall can be very warm. Death Valley, which is in part of the wilderness, has recorded some of the highest temperatures on the planet. Remember to always carry plenty of water with you and protect yourself from the sun. Check the weather forecast to see if there are any extreme heat warnings. While you’re out exploring the area, drink water frequently, and don’t let yourself become dehydrated. The area sees little rain throughout the year, so clear skies are likely.

Motorized vehicles, which include OHVs, mountain bikes, motorized boats and hang gliders, are prohibited in most wilderness areas, including the Funeral Mountains Wilderness. If you plan to camp in your RV, make sure you stay in an area that allows motorized vehicles and was designed for RV camping.

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 require care and protection, and Leave No Trace guidelines can help. Pack out all your trash, and be courteous of other visitors to the area. It’s also important to respect wildlife by observing any animals or insects from a distance. Limit your impact on the landscape and native plants by hiking or camping on durable surfaces only and staying in designated areas whenever possible. In arid areas such as the Funeral Mountains Wilderness, fires can pose a large threat to the environment, so make sure any campfires stay completely contained. Only build a fire in a ring or pit, and make sure it is completely cold before you move on.

Funeral Mountains Wilderness Location

From Barstow, California, take the I-15 N. towards Las Vegas for 61.5 miles. Take Exit 246 for CA-127/Kelbaker Road toward Death Valley, and then turn left onto CA-127/Kelbaker Road. Continue for another 90 miles. You’ll take a sharp left onto Clay Road. Continue for another 16 miles to reach the wilderness area.

Ready to visit the Funeral Mountains Wilderness? 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 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.