The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Throughout the United States, many of the most beautiful and tranquil natural areas are protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is responsible for keeping these diverse sites in good condition and open to the public. Many of the locations are popular destinations for adventurous campers, hikers, fishers, and all kinds of other outdoor enthusiasts. These travelers typically stay at established campgrounds or in their own dispersed campsites. If you're interested in giving BLM camping a try, a simple search for "BLM camping near me" will reveal the coolest opportunities in your general area.
If you find yourself in southern California, one BLM site worth checking out is the Manly Peak Wilderness. The remote wilderness area is most known as the home of its namesake mountain, which stands at 7,196 feet. The area also features many ridges, canyons, and streams and provides opportunities for hiking, primitive camping, wildlife viewing, and other activities. The site is also located only a short distance from famous Death Valley National Park, which is one of the most extreme places on Earth and is a popular destination for bold adventurers.
This rocky out-and-back trail is located in Death Valley National Park, and it's one of the most popular hiking routes in the region. During the hike, you'll come across narrows, scrambling areas, and a variety of unique geological formations. The trail gets its name from the incredible mosaic breccia that can be seen along the route. The canyon is prone to flash floods, so this hike should be avoided if there's any chance of rain.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This is another great hiking trail found in Death Valley National Park. Although it's located in a harsh desert, this trail features a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and gorgeous scenery. Darwin Falls is one of the few year-round waterfalls found in Death Valley, and it should be accessible for hikers of all skill and fitness levels.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Although the Manly Peak Wilderness is generally a hot, dry area, there are a handful of opportunities for fishing and boating in the region. One unique option is Lake Manly, which is an extremely shallow body of water in Death Valley National Park. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can take a kayak or canoe out on the clear, shallow reservoir. If you make your way west of the Manly Peak Wilderness, you'll eventually reach the beautiful Lake Isabella. There, you can fish for rainbow trout, crappie, and catfish. The large lake is also a great boating destination.
You'll have the chance to observe many interesting creatures while exploring the BLM area and the nearby national park. For one, there's a herd of desert bighorn sheep that has been occasionally spotted around the wilderness area. Some of the other fascinating species you might glimpse include roadrunners, coyotes, mountain lions, desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and a variety of lizards.
If you enjoy desert views and rough terrain, then the Manly Peak Wilderness will be an excellent spot for a picnic. There probably won't be any picnic tables to be found around the site, so you'll have to come prepared with a blanket or another surface. If you're willing to hike a bit to find a nice spot with some elevation, you can enjoy some top-notch views of the wilderness area while you eat.
Federal regulations do not allow motorized vehicles in areas designated as wilderness. As a result, no BLM RV camping is permitted in the Manly Peak Wilderness. Although there are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located around the site, you can check out one of the RV parks in nearby towns. One example is the Desert Empire RV Park, which lies about 30 miles southwest of the BLM site.
Provided that you adhere to the federal wilderness rules, you can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Manly Peak Wilderness. Because you can't take your RV or car into the wilderness, you may need to park near the outer boundaries of the site. From there, you can hike with your camping gear until you find a suitable place to set up camp.
If you're planning a trip to the Manly Peak Wilderness, you should know that camping in one place is limited to 14 days at a time. After two weeks, you'll need to relocate at least 25 miles from the previous spot. You should also plan to bring everything you need for your trip with you. The nearest towns are more than 15 miles away, and there is no drinking water available at the BLM site. Because the California desert can regularly see temperatures above 100 degrees, it would be prudent to bring lots of extra water with you. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
During your visit to the BLM site, please make an effort to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines help keep the beautiful area clean and healthy for years to come. If you encounter any wildlife while visiting, please keep a safe distance.
To reach the Manly Peak Wilderness from Ridgecrest, CA, take CA-178 E for approximately 14 miles and then continue onto Trona Road. Follow Trona Road for 9.8 miles and then continue onto Trona Wildrose Road for another 19 miles. Next, turn right onto Ballarat Road, follow it for 3.7 miles, and then take a right onto Wingate Wash Road. Follow Wingate Wash Road south until you come to either Goler Wash Road or South Park Canyon Road. Heading east on either of these roads will take you to the wilderness area although South Park Canyon Road is only accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Address: Ridgecrest Field Office, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Ready to visit Manly Peak 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.
