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Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness

Mohave Valley, California · San Bernardino County

The Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness now contains a total of 14,645 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness…

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About Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness

The Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness now contains a total of 14,645 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:Plan Ahead and PrepareTravel and Camp on Durable SurfacesDispose of Waste ProperlyLeave What You FindMinimize Campfire ImpactsRespect WildlifeBe Considerate of Other VisitorsRegulations:Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

How to Get There

While the name sounds attractive this wilderness is home to thousands of cacti, and can offer something of a challenge to explore. Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness is located in San Bernardino County, California approximately 18 miles west of Needles, California. Interstate 40 runs along the northern boundary of the wilderness. Maps of the area can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management Field Office in Needles, California.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness

Heading to Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness?

No central reservation system listed for Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13348) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness?

While the name sounds attractive this wilderness is home to thousands of cacti, and can offer something of a challenge to explore. Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness is located in San Bernardino County, California approximately 18 miles west of Needles, California. Interstate 40 runs along the northern boundary of the wilderness. Maps of the area can be obtained from the Bureau of Land Management Fi…

How do I contact Bigelow Cholla Garden Wilderness?

You can reach the park at phone: 760-326-7000 or email: BLM_CA_Web_NE@blm.gov.