- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements with t…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
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Big Maria Mountains Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Big Maria Mountains Wilderness
How to get there
The wilderness is in Riverside County, 10 miles north of Blythe, California. State Highway 95 provides access from the east and north via Big Wash. From the southwest, approach from Interstate 10 via Midland Road and power line roads. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Park outside the wilderness boundary and continue without motorized or mechanized transport.
- State Highway 95 and Big Wash
Eastern and northern approach corridor. Big Wash lies north of the wilderness boundary; use boundary signs and a map to identify where to leave the vehicle and proceed on foot.
- Midland Road and power line roads
Southwestern approach from Interstate 10. Power line roads lead toward the mountain base. Four-wheel drive is recommended, and vehicles must remain outside the wilderness.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CA, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Desert slopes, steep canyons, and craggy peaks
Big Maria Mountains Wilderness protects 45,384 acres in Riverside County, about 10 miles north of Blythe. Its terrain rises from gently sloping bajadas into rough, craggy peaks separated by steep canyons. Big Wash lies north of the wilderness boundary, while State Highway 95 and the Colorado River parallel its eastern edge. Power lines and the contours of the mountain base define the western and southern boundaries. Foxtail cactus and California barrel cactus grow across this dry landscape, and a burro deer herd depends on the river habitat for survival. Designated in 1994, the area offers a largely undeveloped mountain outing rather than a maintained-trail experience. Plan around the contrast between the lower desert slopes and the much more demanding terrain above them.
Walking without a maintained trail network
There are no trails in Big Maria Mountains Wilderness, though several unmaintained two-track primitive routes provide access on foot. Treat those tracks as navigation aids, not as a maintained or signed hiking network. The gentler bajadas offer a different kind of outing from the steep canyons and broken peaks; choose terrain that matches the group's navigation skills and ability to turn back. Carry a map, dependable navigation tools, sun protection, and enough water for the entire outing rather than counting on the nearby Colorado River as an accessible refill. Cooler conditions are a sensible choice for travel through this dry desert landscape. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed, but riders should confirm feed requirements with the managing office before bringing horses.
Boundaries, camping, and low-impact travel
Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not permitted inside the wilderness. Park outside the boundary and pay attention to Wilderness, Closed Road, and Closed Route signs. The boundary is set back 30 feet from unmaintained dirt roads and 300 feet from paved roads, so a roadside position alone does not establish where wilderness begins. Private lands may lie within the area; obtain the owner's permission before entering them. Use previously disturbed sites for parking or camping, and observe the 14-day stay limit. Keep pets under control. Leave archaeological materials undisturbed, and do not cut live vegetation. Where campfires are permitted, wood gathering is limited to dead and down material. Confirm current fire rules and access conditions with the Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office before departure.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Big Maria Mountains Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 33.8304, -114.6304
- Latitude (DMS)
- 33° 49′ 49.4″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 114° 37′ 49.6″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Big Maria Mountains Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Gently sloping bajadas, or desert slopes, rise to numerous rough and craggy peaks separated by steep canyons in Big Maria Mountains Wilderness. The Big Marias lie just south of a major drainage called...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 33.830, -114.630
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Big Maria Mountains Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Big Maria Mountains Wilderness
Desert slopes, steep canyons, and craggy peaks
Big Maria Mountains Wilderness protects 45,384 acres in Riverside County, about 10 miles north of Blythe. Its terrain rises from gently sloping bajadas into rough, craggy peaks separated by steep canyons. Big Wash lies north of the wilderness boundary, while State Highway 95 and the Colorado River parallel its eastern edge. Power lines and the contours of the mountain base define the western and southern boundaries. Foxtail cactus and California barrel cactus grow across this dry landscape, and a burro deer herd depends on the river habitat for survival. Designated in 1994, the area offers a largely undeveloped mountain outing rather than a maintained-trail experience. Plan around the contrast between the lower desert slopes and the much more demanding terrain above them.
Walking without a maintained trail network
There are no trails in Big Maria Mountains Wilderness, though several unmaintained two-track primitive routes provide access on foot. Treat those tracks as navigation aids, not as a maintained or signed hiking network. The gentler bajadas offer a different kind of outing from the steep canyons and broken peaks; choose terrain that matches the group's navigation skills and ability to turn back. Carry a map, dependable navigation tools, sun protection, and enough water for the entire outing rather than counting on the nearby Colorado River as an accessible refill. Cooler conditions are a sensible choice for travel through this dry desert landscape. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed, but riders should confirm feed requirements with the managing office before bringing horses.
Boundaries, camping, and low-impact travel
Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not permitted inside the wilderness. Park outside the boundary and pay attention to Wilderness, Closed Road, and Closed Route signs. The boundary is set back 30 feet from unmaintained dirt roads and 300 feet from paved roads, so a roadside position alone does not establish where wilderness begins. Private lands may lie within the area; obtain the owner's permission before entering them. Use previously disturbed sites for parking or camping, and observe the 14-day stay limit. Keep pets under control. Leave archaeological materials undisturbed, and do not cut live vegetation. Where campfires are permitted, wood gathering is limited to dead and down material. Confirm current fire rules and access conditions with the Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office before departure.
Route options
- Primitive two-track foot access
Use the unmaintained two-track routes that provide foot access into the wilderness. This is an exploratory option rather than a named, maintained trail; choose the turnaround according to navigation confidence and conditions.
- Lower bajada exploration
Plan a self-directed walk on the gently sloping desert terrain at the mountain base. This terrain-based option is not an established route. Check wilderness and private-land boundaries before choosing a line.
- Canyon and peak terrainChallenging off-trail terrain
For experienced off-trail travelers, the steep canyons and craggy peaks offer more demanding terrain than the lower slopes. No fixed itinerary is identified; select a line conservatively and turn back when terrain exceeds the group's abilities.
Sample itineraries
- Bajada Day Hike · 1 day
Approach from State Highway 95 via Big Wash and park outside the wilderness boundary. Explore gently sloping bajadas on foot, using unmaintained two-track routes where suitable. There are no trails; choose a turnaround based on navigation confidence, water and conditions.
- Two-Day Desert Overnight · 2 days
Approach from Interstate 10 via Midland Road and power line roads. Walk into the wilderness and camp on a previously disturbed site, avoiding private land without permission. Spend the second morning exploring lower slopes before returning. Carry water for the entire outing and avoid committing to steep canyon terrain.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; choose outings around the forecast
Plan for sun exposure on dry desert slopes. Carry sufficient water and adjust hiking time to temperatures. Rough peaks and steep canyons demand more time and effort than the gentler bajadas.
Summer
Summer; avoid hiking during excessive heat
Heat and water demands are central planning concerns in this dry desert landscape. Favor short outings during cooler hours, carry all needed water and turn back before supplies become marginal.
Fall
Fall; let temperatures guide trip length
Do not assume cool hiking conditions simply because the season has changed. Check the forecast, maintain a generous water supply and allow ample daylight for navigation through trail-free terrain.
Winter
Winter; check daytime and overnight forecasts
Pack layers for cold periods and overnight trips. Shorter daylight makes conservative turnaround times important, especially among rough peaks and steep canyons. Carry water even when temperatures feel comfortable.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; choose outings around the forecast | Plan for sun exposure on dry desert slopes. Carry sufficient water and adjust hiking time to temperatures. Rough peaks and steep canyons demand more time and effort than the gentler bajadas. |
| Summer | Summer; avoid hiking during excessive heat | Heat and water demands are central planning concerns in this dry desert landscape. Favor short outings during cooler hours, carry all needed water and turn back before supplies become marginal. |
| Fall | Fall; let temperatures guide trip length | Do not assume cool hiking conditions simply because the season has changed. Check the forecast, maintain a generous water supply and allow ample daylight for navigation through trail-free terrain. |
| Winter | Winter; check daytime and overnight forecasts | Pack layers for cold periods and overnight trips. Shorter daylight makes conservative turnaround times important, especially among rough peaks and steep canyons. Carry water even when temperatures feel comfortable. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements with the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at 760-833-7100.
Official source: Big Maria Mountains Wilderness - California · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- There are no trails. Unmaintained two-track routes provide some foot access, but navigation skills and a reliable map remain essential.
- Rough, craggy peaks and steep canyons can make travel demanding. Stay on terrain suited to the group's ability.
- Dry desert conditions increase heat exposure and water needs. Carry sufficient water rather than treating the nearby Colorado River as a dependable refill point.
- Access uses unmaintained roads; BLM recommends a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Assess road conditions before committing.
- Foxtail cactus and California barrel cactus require care when walking or choosing a resting place.
What to pack for Big Maria Mountains Wilderness
- Water for the full outing plus a reserve
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Food and extra snacks
- Topographic map showing wilderness boundaries and land ownership
- Compass and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Sturdy footwear for rough terrain
- Shelter and sleeping system matched to the forecast
- Warm layers
- Waste bags for packing out rubbish
- Additional water for camp
Big Maria Mountains Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Big Maria Mountains Wilderness, and how is it reached?
- It lies in Riverside County, 10 miles north of Blythe, California. State Highway 95 provides access from the east and north via Big Wash. From the southwest, use Interstate 10, Midland Road and power line roads. Four-wheel drive is recommended.
- Are there marked hiking trails?
- There are no trails. Several unmaintained two-track primitive routes provide foot access. Plan for self-directed navigation rather than a signed trail itinerary.
- Can vehicles or bicycles enter the wilderness?
- Mechanized and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Park outside the wilderness boundary, which is set back 30 feet from unmaintained dirt roads and 300 feet from paved roads. Respect Wilderness, Closed Road and Closed Route signs.
- What are the camping and campfire rules?
- The stay limit is 14 days. Use previously disturbed campsites and obtain permission before using private land. Confirm whether campfires are permitted; when allowed, gathered wood is limited to dead and down material. Do not cut live vegetation or disturb archaeological materials.
- Are pets and horses allowed?
- Pets are allowed but must remain under control. Horses are permitted, and carrying feed may be required. Confirm current requirements with BLM before a horse trip.
- Is hunting allowed?
- Hunting and non-commercial trapping are allowed under state and local laws. Confirm applicable requirements before visiting.