The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Mecca Hills Wilderness is a 26,242-acre wilderness area located in Southern California. The area is under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency of the federal government that administers various public sites. The sites watched over by the BLM are very diverse, featuring campgrounds, day-use areas, national monuments, and a variety of landmarks. BLM camping is a very popular activity for those who enjoy exploring the country and connecting with nature.
The Mecca Hills Wilderness is known for its unique geological formations and its many narrow canyons. Visitors to the area can enjoy activities like camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The site is located just south of the famous Joshua Tree National Park, which is one of the country's most popular hiking destinations. Those who visit the Mecca Hills Wilderness often head to the national park to check out its amazing Joshua trees, which are a unique type of cacti. If you'd like to visit the wonderful BLM sites in your area, you can search online for "BLM camping near me" to determine the best options.
This loop trail is one of many great hiking routes found within the Mecca Hills Wilderness. During your hike, you'll need to do a fair bit of climbing, squeezing, and even crawling to navigate the trail. However, it will be worth the effort for the breathtaking views of the area's canyons. You'll also have the opportunity to climb the ropes alluded to in the trail's name.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Also located within the BLM area, this loop trail is an excellent challenge for skilled hikers. Along the route, you'll come across caves, boulders, and climbs, making for quite the adventure. The ideal times to visit the trail are between October and April, and dogs are not permitted on the route.
Length: 8.7 miles
Intensity: Hard
This out-and-back trail is a bit less challenging than the Mecca Hills Grotto Trail, but it can still be difficult at times. The route is somewhat hard to find, but it's worth the effort. While hiking the trail, you'll have a good chance of observing some interesting birds, and you can even have your dogs off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Mecca Hills Wilderness is located in a very arid region, so the opportunities for water-based recreation are few and far between. However, they aren't non-existent. One option is the nearby Salton Sea, which is known for its high salinity. As a result of all the salt in the water, very few fish species can survive, but you may be able to catch desert pupfish or Mozambique tilapia. Although it is not as popular as it once was, the large body of water is also sometimes used for boating and watersports.
If you're a climbing enthusiast, your best option will be to head to nearby Joshua Tree National Park. In addition to being a premier hiking destination, the national park is home to a wide variety of popular climbing routes. You could do some bouldering in the Gunsmoke Area or take on the traditional climbing routes at Isles in the Sky. Whether you're a beginner or a veteran climber, you should be able to find a suitable option.
The desert ecosystem of the Mecca Hills Wilderness supports a variety of fascinating wildlife species. Although bighorn sheep are more abundant in the nearby Orocopia Mountains, they'll occasionally make their way into the BLM area. You may see the amazing desert tortoises roaming the land or spotted bats flying out of the slot canyons. You'll also want to keep an eye on the sky for prairie falcons and other unique bird species soaring above you.
Because the BLM site is an undeveloped wilderness area, you likely won't come across any designated picnic areas or even tables. However, as long as you bring along a blanket or something else to sit on, there's no reason you can't have a peaceful picnic lunch. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a scenic picnicking spot with excellent views of the area's amazing canyons.
Due to the laws surrounding areas federally designated as wilderness, you won't be able to partake in BLM RV camping in the Mecca Hills Wilderness. And since there aren't any established Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site, you'll need to do a bit of traveling to find a place with proper RV accommodations. There are several RV parks with amenities in the nearby Mecca, CA area, including Huertas Mobile Home Park and Rancho del Sol Mobilehome & RV Park.
There are no rules against Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Mecca Hills Wilderness, but you'll have to keep your vehicle outside the site's boundaries. If you like, you can park near the outskirts of the wilderness area and hike until you find a nice spot for your dispersed campsite.
If you're planning a trip to the Mecca Hills Wilderness, you should be prepared for the climate. Between late spring and early fall, the region can become extremely hot. Check the forecast before your trip, and make sure you're packing plenty of water and sunscreen. You won't find much potable water or other supplies around the BLM site, so you'll need to come prepared with your own.
If you do end up needing water, you should be aware of Sheep Hole Oasis and Hidden Springs Canyon. These two spots are two of the only reliable water sources in the area, and you can find them in the southern section of the site via Box Canyon Road. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're visiting the site, the BLM requests that you adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. Before and during your trip, please make a point to plan your movements and activities in advance. Doing so will make it easier to minimize the impact of your visit.
To reach the Mecca Hills Wilderness from Blyth, CA, travel west on Interstate 10 until you reach State Highway 195, which is also called Box Canyon Road. This highway will take you into the area of the BLM site.
Ready to visit Mecca Hills 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.
