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Mesquite Wilderness

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

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The Mesquite Wilderness is located in California, north of Needles and not far from the Nevada border and Las Vegas. The wilderness is also just south of Death Valley National Park. Spanning over 44,800 acres, the wilderness is home to a range of desert plant species and provides a safe, natural habitat for desert animals, including a section that is considered a critical habitat for the reclusive and endangered desert tortoise. The wilderness is made up of portions of the Clark Mountain Range, Mesquite Mountains, and Mesquite Valley, and visitors will be able to spot small caves throughout the area.

Like all Bureau of Land Management sites, the Mesquite Wilderness is public land that is protected by the agency. Visitors and volunteer groups also work to protect and preserve these lands, which can be environmentally or historically important. These sites also offer a range of recreational activities. To find BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Lava Beds Trail

Located in the Mojave National Preserve, this trail offers views of the area’s stunning, arid landscape.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Moderate

Spooky Canyon Trail

Popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading, this trail in the Mojave Trails National Monument is an excellent way to view native plants and fascinating rock formations.

Length: 7.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Mojave National Preserve Mine Exploration Walk

This loop trail lets visitors view old mines and historic dwellings.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lake Tuendae Trail

This short trail is generally quiet, making it a great option for a short hike or for walking your dog.

Length: 0.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Pyramid Canyon Trail

One of the best options for viewing the area’s breathtaking rock formations, this trail is located in the nearby town of Baker, California.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Although it may seem counterintuitive to look for fishing or boating locations in the Mojave Desert, the Colorado River, which isn’t far from the Mesquite Wilderness, offers opportunities for both. Anglers can catch crappie, catfish, bass, and bluegill, and there are several boat ramps, boat launch areas, and swimming locations.

ClimbingClimbing

Clark Mountain, which is quite close to the wilderness area in the Mojave National Preserve, is an excellent option for rock climbing enthusiasts. The peak provides about 85 alpine, sport, and bouldering route options. The nearby Granite Mountains also offer some traditional climbing routes.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The Mesquite Wilderness is the ideal location for spotting wildlife. Aside from the desert tortoise, visitors are likely to encounter a range of lizard and snake species. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, rabbits, ground squirrels, coyotes, bobcats, hawks, eagles, quails, roadrunners, wrens, and sparrows are also common.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

The Afton Campground is a great option for BLM RV camping. The campground costs only $6 per night, and there are 22 sites. Each site has a parking area, shade structure, picnic table, grill, and fire pit. Another good option for RV camping is Baker Campground in the Stanislaus National Forest. The campground does not accept reservations, but there are 44 sites available. Toilets, tables, and drinking water are available.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at the nearby Hanning Flat Dispersed Area. The campground is located on the shores of Lake Isabella, and the area provides beautiful views and access to nearby hiking and fishing options.

RV Rentals Near Mesquite Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Mesquite Wilderness BLM trip

In most BLM or federally protected wilderness areas, motor vehicles are prohibited including ATVs, OHVs, and dirt bikes. Always check the rules and regulations before you head into a wilderness area such as the Mesquite Wilderness. Off-roading may be allowed along certain routes. Obey any posted signs you see regarding trail usage.

Because of its size and location, the Mesquite Wilderness is relatively remote, and cell reception may be spotty. The area can also be quite hot and dry, and issues such as heat stroke, exposure, and dehydration can occur quickly and with little warning. For safety, always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Carry emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, and plenty of water and food. For remote areas, you may want to invest in a satellite phone. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Leave No Trace guidelines are practices developed decades ago that can still help protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, wilderness areas, and any other natural locations. At the Mesquite Wilderness, these practices might include packing out all of your trash, including food waste, and picking up any litter you spot. If you plan to build a campfire or use a grill, practice extreme fire safety. Obey all fire regulations or bans, and only make fires in fire pits or rings.

Leave No Trace
Location

Mesquite Wilderness Location

From Needles, head west on I-40 for about 10 miles until you reach the U.S. Highway 95 exit. Take the exit north and continue on U.S. Highway 95 for about 45 miles to Searchlight, Nevada, where you’ll connect with NV State Route 164. Turn left onto this road and continue for another 20 miles until you reach the California-Nevada line. This road turns into Nipton Road, which you’ll continue on for another 15 miles. When you reach I-15, head west on it for another 15 miles. Take a right at the Cima Road exit, and then take Excelsior Mine/Kingston Road north for another 10 miles. You’ll see signs and a kiosk for the Mesquite Wilderness on the right-hand side.

Address: Needles Field Office, Needles, CA 92363

Ready to visit Mesquite 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.

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