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Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area (Trilobite)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Often considered some of the best Cambrian trilobite fossil sites in the Western United States, the Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area and Marble Mountain Fossil Beds are located near the towns of Needles and Chambless in California, not far from Joshua Tree National Park. The fossils, which are extinct arthropods, are embedded in a 60-foot-thick shale formation that dates back more than 550 million years. Collectors can look for and take home a reasonable number of rocks and trilobite fossils without a permit or any fees.

Bureau of Land Management sites like the Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area provide a fantastic way for visitors to get closer to nature. These areas, which are public lands, are often protected by both the BLM and other independent volunteer groups. At Marble Mountain, you can camp in an RV campground for a small fee or enjoy the privacy and solitude of primitive camping in your RV at no cost. To find even more BLM camping sites, you can always search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Teutonia Peak Trail

This popular trail provides stunning views and offers a fantastic exercise opportunity.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

SARA Crack Trail

Although this is one of the most popular hiking options in the area, hikers can still enjoy some quiet, and the trail provides incredible views of the scenery.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rock Spring Loop

This scenic trail provides lovely views and is a great way to spot wildlife or take photographs.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Grapevine Canyon Trail

Located in the nearby Spirit Mountain Wilderness, this trail is a fantastic way to spot wild animals.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Barber Peak Loop Trail

A great way to view the area’s landscape and stunning rock formations, this trail offers some steeper climbs for more experienced hikers.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

The Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area is located in the Mojave Desert, so fishing and boating options are limited. However, the nearby Colorado River provides excellent bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill fishing, and there are several boating and swimming options along the river.

ClimbingClimbing

The nearby Mojave National Preserve offers some of the best rock climbing opportunities in the area. Clark Mountain, for example, has 85 sport, alpine, and bouldering options. There are five traditional climbs in the area's Granite Mountains, and the section known as the Lava Tube features three top rope climbs.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area is remote enough that wildlife is abundant, but the Mojave National Preserve is also a fantastic option for viewing wild animals. Common species in the area include rabbits, roadrunners, quails, hawks, wrens, bighorn sheep, mule deer, snakes, and lizards. Lucky travelers might also spot a mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, or desert tortoise.

Picnicking

The nearby Special Activities and Recreation Area Park, more commonly called SARA Park, is a great option for picnicking. The area offers picnic tables and various hiking trails. Another good picnic location is the Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, which features picnic tables and beautiful scenery.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

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BLM RV camping is available at the Corn Springs Campground. The campground costs $6 per night and is an ideal location for spotting wildlife or viewing petroglyphs. Tables, grills, ramadas, an accessible toilet, and potable water are all available. The Hole-in-the-Wall Campground is another good RV camping option. The campground is located outside of Chambless and features restrooms, quiet sites, and friendly staff.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Amboy Crater, where visitors can set up a primitive site. Free camping is also allowed in the Mojave Trails National Monument and the Mojave National Preserve. Amenities at each location are limited, but visitors will be able to get in touch with nature in solitude, and the views are stunning.

RV Rentals Near Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area (Trilobite) Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area (Trilobite) BLM trip

Rock collecting in the Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area is for personal use only. Commercial collecting cannot be done without a permit, and none of the rocks or trilobites you collect can be bartered or sold. You may only use hand tools to aid your collecting. Power equipment is not permitted. Some areas, such as private mine claims, wilderness areas, and national historic sites, do not allow rock or fossil collecting. Check all posted signs and obey any signs that prohibit collecting.

The Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area is relatively remote. Check the conditions of roads before you head out, and avoid the area if storms are in the forecast. Always let someone know where you’ll be and when you’ll return. Cell reception can be patchy, so prepare for emergencies and always carry plenty of water with you.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

All Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and other natural areas require protection and conservation, and Leave No Trace policies can help. As you enjoy the rock collecting area, try to minimize your impact on the landscape and the ecosystem. Avoid damaging plants, and do not cut any flowers to take home. Watch out for wildlife, particularly snakes. If you plan to make a campfire, make it in a controlled, designated area, such as a fire pit or ring. Never start a fire if the danger rating is high. If you camp in the area, try to camp in areas with little vegetation or where campsites have been set up before.

Leave No Trace
Location

Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area (Trilobite) Location

From Needles, take I-40 west for about 25 miles. Take the Mountain Springs Road exit south, and continue west onto the National Trails Highway. Continue for about 35 miles until you reach Cadiz Road in Chambless. Turn left onto Cadiz Road, and continue for about four miles. Turn left onto BLM Route NS376, and continue for another mile. Turn left on BLM Route NS374, and continue for about half a mile. You will see the rock collecting area on both sides of the road.

Ready to visit Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area (Trilobite)? 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.

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