The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness is located outside of Blythe, California, not far from the Salton Sea. The wilderness is also near the Sheephole Valley Wilderness and Joshua Tree National Park. Spanning more than 28,000 acres, the wilderness features a variety of terrain, including hills, mountains, desert meadows, and dry washes. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes, natural beauty, and the secluded habitat it provides for endangered species, such as the desert tortoise.
Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1994. Like all sites in the system, and all Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and day-use sites, the wilderness has been designated an area to be preserved and protected so that it can remain in its natural state. It offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore nature and enjoy various recreational activities. To find BLM sites that offer a wider range of camping amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."
One of the few areas in the Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness open to motorized vehicles, this trail offers beautiful views and a chance to see petroglyphs.
Length: 29.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This challenging trail in the Mecca Hills Wilderness, an hour and 43 minutes northwest of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, offers several steep areas, making it a great workout. There are also some opportunities for rock climbing.
Length: 8.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Located in Joshua Tree National Park, an hour and 35 minutes northwest of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, Lost Palms Oasis Trail leads to one of the most popular destinations in the park.
Length: 7.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
An hour and 45 minutes northwest of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, Mastodon Peak Trail takes hikers to the base of Mastodon Peak and offers incredible views of the landscape and the area’s diverse plants.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Another trail in Joshua Tree National Park, this loop is a wonderful way to enjoy the area’s scenic views or spot wildlife.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Salton Sea, which is two hours and seven minutes west of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, offers excellent tilapia fishing. There are no catch limits, and anglers can take a boat out on the picturesque inland sea to enjoy the area’s gorgeous landscape. If you want to catch some catfish, travel two hours and 18 minutes northwest of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness to reach Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park.
The area around the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness offers hundreds of opportunities for rock climbing. The area known as Lost Horse near Joshua Tree National Park, two hours and 45 minutes northwest of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, offers more than 650 traditional, sport, top rope and bouldering options. Wonderland of Rocks, also near the park, provides more than 630 routes. Visitors can practice their skills or challenge themselves on a new route.
The Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness is the perfect place to spot wildlife, and it’s well-known for its desert tortoise and bighorn sheep populations. Visitors can also often spot lizards, including the chuckwallas the wilderness is named for, snakes, rabbits, hawks, vultures, squirrels, coyotes, and bobcats.
The Heber Dunes SVRA is an ideal place for picnicking. This wilderness area, which is two hours and 12 minutes southwest of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, provides tables under ramadas to protect picnickers from the harsh desert sun. There are also restrooms available.
Many of the trails in and around the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness are great for horseback riding, and many nearby campgrounds cater to equestrians. Trails suitable for OHVs or mountain bikes are generally best for riding.
RV camping with amenities is available at Cove RV Resort, which is on the Colorado River in Blythe, an hour northeast of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, is another fantastic camping option. Hookups, a pool, a dog park, and a laundromat are available. You could also stay at the Arizona Oasis RV Resort, an hour northeast of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness. In addition to the full-hookup RV sites, this park provides free Wi-Fi, heated pools and a spa, laundry facilities, and a boat launch.
In Arizona, an hour northeast of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, The Palms at River Edge is another place you can stay if you don’t want to rough it. This large park comprises 600 feet of beach along the Colorado River. There are full-hookup sites as well as a pool, a dog park, miles of off-road trails, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and many more.
If you decide to go BLM RV camping, you should keep in mind that you may not have access to any amenities, even water. Other Bureau of Land Management free camping sites provide picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. In general, you cannot camp in the same spot for more than 14 days in a 28-day period. You have several choices when it comes to dispersed camping near Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness. Thirty-three minutes southeast of Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, Coon Hollow Campground features 29 RV sites with fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. There also are pit toilets, and it’s free to stay here.
The Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness is relatively remote, and the roads in can sometimes be rugged. The Teague Well entrance requires four-wheel drive. Before you head out to the wilderness, make sure the roads are clear and in good shape. Never drive out during a storm as the roads can flood or wash out.
Like most wilderness areas, the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness prohibits the use of motorized vehicles in most areas. Although there are some exceptions, mainly along roads, no cars, RVs, dirt bikes, OHVs, or ATVs are allowed to operate within the wilderness. Other vehicles, such as hang gliders and mountain bikes, are also prohibited. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Desert habitats, like those that make up the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, are extremely susceptible to fire damage. Before starting a fire, be sure there are no fire bans and that you have all the necessary permits. Only build a fire in a designated area, like a fire ring, and only use small deadfall as fuel. Ensure the fire is completely out, and the embers are cold before you leave the area.
From Blythe, take Interstate 10 West for about 18 miles to either the Dry Lake or Wiley’s Well Road Exit. Follow the signs for the wilderness area and Bradshaw Trail. Wiley’s Well Road can also be accessed from Graham Pass Road.
Ready to visit Little Chuckwalla 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.
