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Nopah Range Wilderness Area

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 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages one out of every 10 acres of land in the U.S. Its ongoing mission is to sustain the diversity, health, and productivity of the public lands under its control. One of the areas under BLM management is the Nopah Range Wilderness Area near Shoshone, California. The southern portion of Death Valley National Park sits just west of here, across California State Highway 127. To the south, the Mojave National Preserve sits adjacent to I-15 while the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is east of the nearby border. You can enjoy 106,620 acres of desert plains and mountainous terrain through camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the California and Nevada border. Motorized equipment and mechanical devices like bicycles or portage wheels are prohibited, allowing you to enjoy dispersed camping with less foot and vehicle traffic than other nearby attractions.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Amargosa Trail

This out-and-back pathway has a 498-foot elevation gain. Like most trails in the region, hiking from November through May helps you avoid the daytime heat. Length: 9.1 miles Intensity: Moderate

Room Canyon

This out-and-back trail is within Death Valley National Park. It meanders through distinct rock formations while providing a 479-foot elevation change. There is no marked pathway, but rather, you will walk along the canyon. You can scramble up some areas for better views as well. Length: 2.9 miles Intensity: Moderate

Willow Canyon Trail

You will also find this out-and-back trail inside Death Valley National Park. It offers an 882-foot elevation gain. You start in the alluvial wash and move up the canyon. There are a couple of boulder scrambles farther up, with great views near the top of the pathway. Length: 4.4 miles Intensity: Moderate

ClimbingClimbing

Mountaineers might want to tackle Nopah Peak, a 6,365-foot mountain that is the tallest in the Nopah Range. Nearby, Tecopa Peak offers a 2,687-foot trek with impressive views of the desert flats below. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, try the 11,043-foot Telescope Peak. It is the highest point in Death Valley National Park and offers views for over 100 miles.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

You may spot desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and wild horses as you explore the area. Ground squirrels and jackrabbits also inhabit the region. Birders can try to spot several species, including American dippers, bald and golden eagles, gray-crowned rosy finches, long-eared owls, shorebirds, and migratory waterfowl.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

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Regulations prohibit using your motorhome within Nopah Range Wilderness Area, so you must head to nearby facilities for overnight stays. Shoshone RV Park sits west of here, providing 25 full RV hookup sites and access to laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, and a mineral pool. The Tecopa Hot Springs Campground and Pools are further south on CA State Highway 178, with dozens of back-in and pull-through sites that can accommodate all sizes of motorhomes. The site has restrooms, men's and women's bathhouses, and private pools. You can also enjoy RV camping on the east side of the Nopah Range Wilderness Area in places like Lakeside RV Park & Casino in Pahrump, NV. It offers concrete patios, catch-and-release fishing, swimming pools, and hot tubs at a facility with 159 sites.

Free Camping Campground Icon

With no developed campsites, dispersed camping is your only option on these BLM-manged lands. Camping is allowed for up to 14 days within a 28-day consecutive period, after which you must relocate 25 miles away until the 29th day has passed. It is also worth noting that all California public lands require a state campfire permit in areas where they are allowed.

RV Rentals Near Nopah Range Wilderness Area Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Nopah Range Wilderness Area BLM trip

This region has a cold desert climate with hot summers, cool winters, and dry conditions year-round. Nighttime lows can drop to the upper 30s in December and January, while July highs average 97 degrees Fahrenheit. You will want to pack in plenty of water, no matter when you visit. You can enjoy relative solitude and peaceful exploration due to the no-motorized vehicle regulations within the park. That also means that there are no RV campsites within the Nopah Range Wilderness Area. You will not find any established camping spots here, so you need to carry in all of your dispersed camping supplies. Hikers must pack in portable stoves and fuel. Quality hiking packs and footwear will make exploration easier, but you still need the fortitude to handle the heat and terrain. A hat, sunglasses, signal mirror, and sunscreen are musts for this environment. 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" is an adoptable conservation policy that lets everyone enjoy sustainable outdoor resources like the Nopah Range Wilderness Area. Clean your campsite, pack out trash you find, and properly dispose of waste. Use a durable surface to move about and camp on, and practice the principle of minimizing campfire impact. Respect the wildlife and do not remove natural objects so others can enjoy them. Finally, use common sense and be considerate towards other guests when visiting any Bureau of Land Management lands.

Leave No Trace
Location

Nopah Range Wilderness Area Location

The northern end of the Nopah Range Wilderness Area sits along the Nevada border and is adjacent to the unincorporated town of Pahrump, NV. You can travel west on Nevada State Highway 372, which changes into State Highway 178 as it enters California. The stretch of CA 178 between the state border and Shoshone, CA, borders the wilderness area and provides access points. The Old Spanish Highway between Tecopa and Charleston View, CA, divides the Nopah and South Nopa Range Wilderness Areas. Latitude, Longitude: 36.014171, -116.095154 Ready to visit Nopah Range Wilderness Area? 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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