- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and tr…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office
Plan with verified data
El Paso Mountains Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of El Paso Mountains Wilderness
How to get there
Use the BLM's linked map directions at https://bit.ly/3cP83Kq to begin access planning, then confirm the approach and wilderness boundary with the Ridgecrest Field Office at 760-384-5400 or BLM_CA_Web_RI@blm.gov. The office is at 300 S Richmond Rd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555; it is an administrative contact, not a wilderness trailhead. The interior inventory point is not a trailhead, campsite, or access point.
- BLM map directions
Access-planning resource at https://bit.ly/3cP83Kq, not a named or verified trailhead. Confirm the actual arrival location and approach with the Ridgecrest Field Office before traveling.
- BLM wilderness map
The interactive map on the BLM destination page supports boundary and approach planning. Its wilderness marker should not be treated as a parking location or trailhead; confirm a usable access point with the managing office.
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
- Surfing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
Volcanic mesas, buttes, and Black Mountain
El Paso Mountains Wilderness protects a desert landscape in California where the El Paso Mountains descend from the southeast toward badlands. Black Mountain, the wilderness high point at 5,244 feet, anchors the terrain. Below it, the Black Hills break into dark volcanic mesas, reddish buttes, and narrow canyons. These landforms make terrain reading an important part of trip planning: a destination visible across the badlands does not necessarily have a straightforward approach. Choose an outing around a verified access location and a route that matches the group's navigation skills, rather than treating a map marker as a trailhead. Carry a detailed topographic map and leave enough time to retrace the approach if canyon terrain complicates progress.
Desert plants, wildlife, and field preparation
Creosote bush dominates much of the wilderness, while Joshua trees grow on the western side of Black Mountain. Wildlife includes desert tortoises, Mojave ground squirrels, and raptors. Watch animals from a distance and leave them room to move; a wildlife sighting is not a reason to pursue or handle an animal. The desert setting calls for a conservative water plan, sun protection, and clothing suited to changing temperatures. Carry the water needed for the outing rather than assuming a refill will be available. Check the forecast before choosing a route, and shorten plans when conditions exceed the group's preparation. Travel and rest on durable surfaces where possible, avoiding unnecessary disturbance to vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Cultural sites, fossils, and wilderness conduct
Cultural sites are an important part of El Paso Mountains Wilderness, and its southern portion lies within the Last Chance Archaeological District. The area has also yielded some of the oldest nonmarine fossils found in the West, including remains of ancient camel-like and horse-like animals. Treat these features as things to observe in place, not souvenirs: leave artifacts, fossils, and other finds undisturbed. Pack out waste and follow desert-appropriate Leave No Trace practices. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited in federally designated wilderness. Confirm applicable rules and any permit requirements with the Bureau of Land Management's Ridgecrest Field Office before departure. The office can also help distinguish mapped terrain from usable visitor access.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to El Paso 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
- 35.5080, -117.8569
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 30′ 28.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 117° 51′ 24.7″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for El Paso 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
The El Paso Mountains drop into this Wilderness from the southeast, with Black Mountain, at 5,244 feet, serving as the highest point. From the foot of Black Mountain, the terrain sinks into the Black Hills...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.508, -117.857
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at El Paso 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.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Horseback Riding
Stock-legal trail and forage rules.
Animals around El Paso Mountains Wilderness
Volcanic mesas, buttes, and Black Mountain
El Paso Mountains Wilderness protects a desert landscape in California where the El Paso Mountains descend from the southeast toward badlands. Black Mountain, the wilderness high point at 5,244 feet, anchors the terrain. Below it, the Black Hills break into dark volcanic mesas, reddish buttes, and narrow canyons. These landforms make terrain reading an important part of trip planning: a destination visible across the badlands does not necessarily have a straightforward approach. Choose an outing around a verified access location and a route that matches the group's navigation skills, rather than treating a map marker as a trailhead. Carry a detailed topographic map and leave enough time to retrace the approach if canyon terrain complicates progress.
Desert plants, wildlife, and field preparation
Creosote bush dominates much of the wilderness, while Joshua trees grow on the western side of Black Mountain. Wildlife includes desert tortoises, Mojave ground squirrels, and raptors. Watch animals from a distance and leave them room to move; a wildlife sighting is not a reason to pursue or handle an animal. The desert setting calls for a conservative water plan, sun protection, and clothing suited to changing temperatures. Carry the water needed for the outing rather than assuming a refill will be available. Check the forecast before choosing a route, and shorten plans when conditions exceed the group's preparation. Travel and rest on durable surfaces where possible, avoiding unnecessary disturbance to vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Cultural sites, fossils, and wilderness conduct
Cultural sites are an important part of El Paso Mountains Wilderness, and its southern portion lies within the Last Chance Archaeological District. The area has also yielded some of the oldest nonmarine fossils found in the West, including remains of ancient camel-like and horse-like animals. Treat these features as things to observe in place, not souvenirs: leave artifacts, fossils, and other finds undisturbed. Pack out waste and follow desert-appropriate Leave No Trace practices. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited in federally designated wilderness. Confirm applicable rules and any permit requirements with the Bureau of Land Management's Ridgecrest Field Office before departure. The office can also help distinguish mapped terrain from usable visitor access.
Route options
- Black Mountain
A terrain-based objective for further route planning, not a documented trail itinerary. Black Mountain reaches 5,244 feet, with Joshua trees on its western side. Establish a legal approach and assess the terrain before committing to a mountain outing.
- Black Hills
An area to consider for a badlands outing after confirming access and a navigable route. Below Black Mountain, dark volcanic mesas and reddish buttes are divided by narrow canyons. No established trail alignment or loop is specified.
Sample itineraries
- Black Hills Badlands Day · 1 day
Plan a walking day focused on the Black Hills below Black Mountain, where dark volcanic mesas and reddish buttes are divided by narrow canyons. Confirm access with BLM before setting out. Choose terrain within your navigation abilities rather than assuming a marked trail connects these features.
- Black Mountain Landscape Day · 1 day
Focus a day on Black Mountain’s landscape and the Joshua trees on its western side. The wilderness high point reaches 5,244 feet, but this outing need not include a summit attempt. Confirm access and a suitable walking plan with BLM; carry water and allow time to retrace your approach.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Choose dates using current forecasts
Prepare for exposed desert walking among creosote, mesas, and buttes. Carry water and sun protection even when temperatures feel mild. Check weather before entering narrow canyons.
Summer
Plan around heat forecasts
Treat heat and sun exposure as primary planning concerns in this desert landscape. Reduce exertion during hot conditions, carry sufficient water, and shorten or postpone outings when conditions exceed your preparation.
Fall
Choose dates using current forecasts
Do not assume a fall visit eliminates desert heat or water needs. Plan walking time around temperatures and available daylight, and carry layers for changing conditions.
Winter
Check forecasts for your intended elevation
Account for Black Mountain’s 5,244-foot elevation when choosing clothing and objectives. Carry insulating layers and check conditions before committing to higher terrain. Water and sun protection remain part of a desert day kit.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Choose dates using current forecasts | Prepare for exposed desert walking among creosote, mesas, and buttes. Carry water and sun protection even when temperatures feel mild. Check weather before entering narrow canyons. |
| Summer | Plan around heat forecasts | Treat heat and sun exposure as primary planning concerns in this desert landscape. Reduce exertion during hot conditions, carry sufficient water, and shorten or postpone outings when conditions exceed your preparation. |
| Fall | Choose dates using current forecasts | Do not assume a fall visit eliminates desert heat or water needs. Plan walking time around temperatures and available daylight, and carry layers for changing conditions. |
| Winter | Check forecasts for your intended elevation | Account for Black Mountain’s 5,244-foot elevation when choosing clothing and objectives. Carry insulating layers and check conditions before committing to higher terrain. Water and sun protection remain part of a desert day kit. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and trip regulations with the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office at 760-384-5400.
Official source: El Paso Mountains Wilderness - California · Verified October 23, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Desert heat and sun exposure can make walking demanding; carry water and adjust plans to the forecast.
- Narrow canyons, mesas, and buttes complicate navigation. Carry a map and avoid committing to terrain without a clear return option.
- Elevation and changing weather require preparation, particularly around Black Mountain, the wilderness high point at 5,244 feet.
What to pack for El Paso Mountains Wilderness
- Water sufficient for the outing and delays
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Wilderness boundary and terrain map
- Compass
- Offline navigation device
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Footwear suited to uneven terrain
- Insulating layer
- Weather-protective layer
- Waste bags
El Paso Mountains Wilderness FAQ
- What defines the landscape?
- Black Mountain rises to 5,244 feet above the Black Hills. Dark volcanic mesas, reddish buttes, and narrow canyons form badlands terrain. Creosote dominates much of the area, while Joshua trees grow on Black Mountain’s western side.
- Can vehicles or bicycles enter the wilderness?
- Motor vehicles, including OHVs, bicycles, and other mechanical transport are generally prohibited in designated wilderness. BLM also lists restrictions on motorized equipment. Contact the agency about any applicable exceptions.
- What cultural resources are here?
- The wilderness contains numerous cultural sites, and its southern portion lies within the Last Chance Archaeological District. Leave objects where they are, avoid disturbing sites, and follow Leave No Trace practices.
- What fossils have been found here?
- Ancient camel-like and horse-like animals are among the discoveries, including some of the oldest nonmarine fossils found in the West. Observe without disturbing or removing finds.
- How should access be planned?
- Consult BLM’s wilderness map and contact the Ridgecrest Field Office to confirm an appropriate access point. Do not treat an inventory map point as a trailhead, campsite, or access point.
- How should visitors approach wildlife?
- Watch desert tortoises, Mojave ground squirrels, and raptors from a distance. Do not feed, handle, or follow animals. Give them room to move without changing their behavior.