The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Throughout much of the United States, hundreds of wilderness areas, campgrounds, trails, day-use areas, and other sites are protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Quite a few of these scenic areas contain unique landmarks, breathtaking geographical features, and exceptional recreational opportunities. If you're interested in visiting some of these sites, you can search online for "BLM camping near me." This will lead you to all of the BLM locations in your region and help you get started on your next BLM RV camping adventure.
One BLM site worth a visit in Southern California is the Malpais Mesa Wilderness. This site is home to the amazing Malpais Mesa, which towers over the area at 2,300 feet. The area also features valleys, canyons, and mountains. Visitors to the site often partake in activities like primitive camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Many also take the time to visit places like Death Valley National Park and Sequoia National Park, both of which are located near the site and provide opportunities for various activities.
This long out-and-back trail is located in the Golden Trout Wilderness near the town of Lone Pine, CA. Hiking, backpacking, and bird-watching are all popular activities for visitors to the area. The route is mostly flat, but there are some aggressive switchbacks near the end that can be a bit challenging. This trail provides fantastic views, and you can bring your leashed dogs along with you.
Length: 10.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is found within Sequoia National Park and is one of the more popular hiking routes in the area. During the winter, the trail is also an excellent destination for snowshoeing. The paved trail takes you to the famous General Sherman Tree and then through the mighty Giant Forest, where you'll be surrounded by breathtaking giant sequoia trees. Sadly, dogs are not permitted on this trail, but it is a great hiking option for the whole family.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Malpais Mesa Wilderness is found in an arid region of Southern California, but if you travel west, you'll find a variety of lovely streams. Multiple mountain rivers flow through Sequoia National Forest, and they're at their fullest during spring after the snow melts. If you cast your fishing line in these streams, brown trout and rainbow trout will be the most common catches. In the larger rivers, you can also take a kayak or canoe out on the water for a fun day of paddling.
If you're a skilled climber, you can attempt to climb the Malpais Mesa or some of the other peaks found in the Inyo Mountain Range. Perhaps the most notable mountain is Mt. Inyo itself, which stands an impressive 10,975 feet high. The route to the summit is steep and can be loose, so only those who are experienced in mountaineering should attempt the climb. Many climbers make it to the summit and back in a single day, but it's also common to summit Mt. Inyo on an overnight climb.
There are several wildlife species that have been seen around the Malpais Mesa Wilderness. Visitors have frequently spotted mule deer roaming the desert landscape, and golden eagles are known to nest and forage in the area. As you head east toward Death Valley National Park, you might start seeing roadrunners, coyotes, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, desert tortoises, and a variety of snakes and lizards.
The Malpais Mesa Wilderness is an undeveloped site lacking any designated picnic areas or shelters. Because the terrain in the area is fairly harsh, you'll certainly want to bring a surface to sit on if you plan to have a picnic. The ideal option may be to hike your way to an elevated spot, lay out a sturdy picnic blanket, and enjoy the gorgeous views of the area while you have lunch.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to partake in BLM RV camping within the Malpais Mesa Wilderness. Due to federal regulations, no motorized equipment is permitted in areas designated as wilderness, and that includes vehicles. That said, you're welcome to partake in RV camping as long as it's outside the wilderness area, or you can also enjoy one of the other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby. If you'd like to camp somewhere with electricity, water, and amenities, you could head to one of the nearby towns. If you travel to the Lone Pine area, you could camp at the Sierra View RV Park or the Boulder Creek RV Resort.
While the Malpais Mesa Wilderness doesn't feature any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, you can still enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping on your own. Since you can't camp in your RV, you'll have to put together your own dispersed campsite and fend for yourself, and it will probably require that you rough it a bit.
There are several things you'll want to keep in mind when planning a trip to the Malpais Mesa Wilderness. For one, you should be aware that the land and conditions at the site are very harsh. There's no potable water to be found, and the temperatures can exceed 100 degrees during the summer months. There's also not much shade around the site. So, if you're planning on primitive camping in the area, you should consider doing so during a cooler time of year. You should also pack lots of extra drinking water.
Ideally, you should try to bring all the food and other supplies that you'll need with you. However, if you need to restock on anything, the best options will be the nearby towns of Lone Pine and Olancha. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Malpais Mesa Wilderness is a very remote area, so the BLM counts on visitors like you to keep the land clean and healthy. While you're there, please follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. If you choose to burn any campfires during your visit, please make an effort to keep their impact to a minimum.
To reach the Malpais Mesa Wilderness from Lone Pine, travel east on California State Route 136 and continue onto California State Route 190. When you come to Saline Valley Road, turn left, and follow it to the outer boundaries of the BLM area.
Ready to visit Malpais Mesa 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.
