The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Funeral Mountains Wilderness is a 25,708-acre BLM site in California. A desert landscape and colorful limestone bands dominate the entire area. Visited by locals and guests year-round, this beautiful destination provides hiking, wildlife viewing and picnicking opportunities. It shares its western border with Death Valley National Park, where visitors can camp at Furnace Creek Campground. Besides having many amenities, the BLM campground boasts more than 70 campsites suitable for RVs. Dispersed camping is also possible throughout the BLM site all year round. You can also cross the Nevada border and visit the Red Rock Canyon State RV and Campground in Las Vegas for a memorable desert experience. To find other amazing BLM sites close to the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area, search "BLM camping near me."
Enjoy hiking this 51-foot rhyolite rock cliff over Bridge Creek. This short path cuts through a wooded area, and it's often closed in early summer to let bears feed on hatching trout in Bridge Creek. Length: 0.7 miles Intensity: Easy
Badwater Salt Flat Trail is a boardwalk path extending to the Badwater Basin's salt flats, the lowest elevation point in the Western Hemisphere at -282 feet. Length: 0.9 miles Intensity: Easy
This out-and-back trail treats guests to the stunning views of the 18-foot Darwin Falls in Death Valley National Park. More than half of the hike is in the shade of greenery vegetation growing by the stream fed by Darwin Falls. Length: 2 miles Intensity: Moderate
You'll love hiking this unpaved Mosaic Canyon Road just across Stovepipe Wells Campground in Stovepipe Wells Village. The canyon narrows and widens throughout its entire length, and some sections have obstacles that hikers must climb. Length: 2.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
Hike this out-and-back trail that is also popular for birding. It's considered a challenging route, and the best times to trek it are October through April. Hikers who reach Pyramid Peak's summit get to enjoy beautiful wilderness vistas. Length: 8 miles Intensity: Difficult
Water leisure activities are possible for guests visiting the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area. The most common fishing spot in the area is Bridge Creek, which is often abundant with trout. Boating using kayaks is also permitted on the waterway.
Since the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area is one of the hottest and driest places in America, this Bureau of Land Management free camping site is home to desert wildlife. Bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, jackrabbits and kangaroo rats are some of the most popular species in this area.
After exploring the wilderness, you'll surely need a break. Since finding a shady spot in this BLM land can be difficult, it'd help to carry a pop-up shelter or an umbrella for picnicking purposes. Alternatively, picnicking is possible at Furnace Creek campground, which boasts well-kept picnic areas with tables and fire grills.
For RV campers who love looking at celestial bodies, the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area is a fantastic stargazing spot, thanks to the absence of light and huge crowds. Be sure to bring your telescope and essential celestial guides for a wonderful experience.
You can try BLM RV camping at one of the nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. The nearest place is Furnace Creek Campground, which includes good-sized campsites that can accommodate large RVs. Each campsite features a picnic table and a fire pit. Another great location is Stovepipe Wells Campground, which comprises 14 full-hookup RV sites, restrooms and fire pits.
The Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area is open for free camping throughout the year. Guests can camp at one particular place for a maximum of 14 days. This helps preserve the BLM site by reducing the impacts of overstaying in a particular place. Since the wilderness has no resources, campers should carry all essential supplies, especially water. You can also check out other primitive camping sites at Death Valley National Park.
The Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area experiences extreme heat throughout the year, so avoiding the place during summer is better. Daytime and nighttime summer temperatures can reach a whopping 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While winter, fall and spring are the best times to explore the wilderness when the temperatures are a bit low, guests still have to take the necessary precautions. Carrying lots of drinking water and first aid equipment is highly recommended when visiting the BLM site. Packing all the food, clothing and footwear you'll need for your excursion is also essential. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Ensure you follow BLM's Leave No Trace rules whenever you visit the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area. Collect and dispose of trash properly, and don't disturb the wildlife. Keep fires small and contained at all times. Be considerate of other guests, and make sure you clean after your pets. Following these guidelines is critical to preserving this Californian BLM land for present and future use.
Las Vegas is the nearest major city near the Funeral Mountains Wilderness Area. From Las Vegas, travel west on I-95 for about two hours. Go north when you reach Armargosa Valley and follow the road signs to where the road ends. You'll find the wilderness right in front of you. Latitude/Longitude: 36.352739, -116.521036 Ready to visit Funeral Mountains Wilderness 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 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.
