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Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness

Desert Center, California · Riverside County

The Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness is 28,034 acres. Rugged mountains surrounded by a large, gently sloping bajada laced with a network of washes describes the terrain and landforms found within the Little Chuckawalla Mountains Wilderness. To the north, a bajada gently rises to 400 feet, while the rugged mountai…

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33.47373, -115.04597
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About Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness

The Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness is 28,034 acres. Rugged mountains surrounded by a large, gently sloping bajada laced with a network of washes describes the terrain and landforms found within the Little Chuckawalla Mountains Wilderness. To the north, a bajada gently rises to 400 feet, while the rugged mountains crest at 2,100 feet. Habitat for bighorn sheep and desert tortoise can be found in portions of this region, and the southern bajada has been identified as crucial desert tortoise habitat. Several sensitive plant species grow here, including the California snakeweed, Alverson's foxtail cactus and the barrel cactus. In 1994 the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office. 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 wil

How to Get There

Location: Riverside and Imperial Counties; 25 miles southwest of Blythe, California and south of Desert Center, CA. Interstate 10 provides northern access to the Little Chuckwalla's via the Ford Dry Lake exit; Graham Pass Road from the west; and Teague Well four-wheel drive route from the east. Both routes access the Bradshaw Trail to the south, which connects to Wiley's Well Road.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness

Heading to Little Chuckwalla Mountains 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 Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness?

No central reservation system listed for Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13418) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness?

Location: Riverside and Imperial Counties; 25 miles southwest of Blythe, California and south of Desert Center, CA. Interstate 10 provides northern access to the Little Chuckwalla's via the Ford Dry Lake exit; Graham Pass Road from the west; and Teague Well four-wheel drive route from the east. Both routes access the Bradshaw Trail to the south, which connects to Wiley's Well Road.

How do I contact Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness?

You can reach the park at phone: 760-833-7111 or email: BLM_CA_Web_PS@blm.gov.