The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management sites are beautiful places to visit for those who enjoy the outdoors. The BLM manages and preserves these locations for their natural and/or cultural significance. Grass Valley Wilderness, located near the Mojave Desert, consists mostly of a flat grass valley. Most of the vegetation is creosote bush scrub, so it's not your standard valley. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Sequoia National Forest, and Red Rock Canyon State Park are close to Grass Valley Wilderness, offering additional recreational activities. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are sometimes established near BLM sites to offer affordable camping. Search BLM camping near me to find locations.
Featuring desert cliffs, red-stained sandstone curtains, and rock windows, Hagen Canyon Nature Trail is one of the top trails near Grass Valley Wilderness. You can venture off the trail to get a closer look at the canyons, washes, and cliffs. If you walk off of the trail, be careful with your steps because the sandy rocks are weaker and can suddenly crumble.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
On Red Cliffs Trail, you can view a cliff that exhibits signs of slumping or faulting. The reddish cliffs in this area are made of mudstone, sandstone, and volcanic rocks. You can branch off the main trail onto unofficial trails to further explore washes and the desert landscape.
Length: 0.75 miles
Intensity: Easy
This loop trail begins at Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park and takes you up a ridge to the face of Whistling Ridge. You'll enjoy the stunning views at the summit.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Moderate
This point-to-point trail takes you to a tunnel. On the way there, you may see birds. Off-roading is allowed on this trail up until the tunnel, so you could drive to the tunnel if you prefer.
Length: 10.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Wildlife that you could spot while trekking in Grass Valley Wilderness includes desert tortoises, ground squirrels, lizards, roadrunners, turkey vultures, and eagles. In Red Rock Canyon State Park, you may see hawks, owls, roadrunners, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, lizards, and squirrels. Consider bringing night-vision goggles with you and searching at night because more animals in the desert come out once the sun is down.
There are picnicking areas at Red Rock Canyon State Park, including one near the visitor center. The colorful rock formations and cliffs create a one-of-a-kind picnic experience. Some of the tables are covered to shelter you from the sun as well.
Enjoy a remote Wild West experience by exploring Grass Valley Wilderness on horseback. There aren't creeks or streams here, so you'll need to bring water for your horse. Horseback riding is also allowed on all roads in Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Geocaching is possible in Red Rock Canyon State Park. You could find logs, trinkets, and other items.
Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park offers RV camping. Because the dirt roads leading to the campground are narrow, it's advised that your RV is no longer than 30 feet. There aren't hookups or amenities, so you need to bring your own supplies. Generator use is allowed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Primitive Bureau of Land Management free camping is allowed in Grass Valley Wilderness. Other dispersed BLM RV camping options in the region include Isabella Walker Pass Road, Walker Pass Campground, and Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed. Walker Pass campground allows you to bring your horse. All three of these campgrounds are pet friendly.
Motorized equipment isn't allowed in Grass Valley Wilderness. In addition to vehicles, bicycles, wagons, and carts aren't allowed in the area either. You must park vehicles at least 30 feet away from boundary signs in this area. There aren't any sources of water in Grass Valley Wilderness, so you should come prepared with plenty of water. Watch out for snakes, especially at night, to avoid accidentally stepping on them. If you go geocaching in Red Rock Canyon State Park, you must leave the treasure in its place for others to find after you.
Bureau of Land Management camping in the region allows you to enjoy atypical desert scenery featuring some forms of vegetation and reddish-brown, ochre cliffs. It also provides a peaceful remote experience. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace principles are just as important in the desert as in other regions. Sand is actually more sensitive than soil. It's best to pack out all of your waste because the desert terrain has a more difficult time breaking down human waste. If you have pets, clean up their waste and direct them to bare ground. The salts in urine are hard on plants in the desert.
Grass Valley Wilderness is located in San Bernardino County, California. Reaching the wilderness from Ridgecrest, California is easy. Travel along US-395 to San Bernardino County for about 25.3 miles, and then turn left. Continue on this road for 19.6 miles, and you'll reach the wilderness area. Only a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle can handle this road.
Ready to visit Grass Valley 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.
