- 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, Barstow Field Office
Plan with verified data
Ibex Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Ibex Wilderness
How to get there
A non-wilderness road corridor enters from the southeast and extends to the major mining region. Confirm the approach and current road accessibility with the Bureau of Land Management’s Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000 before travel. Use a wilderness boundary map; the mapped inventory point inside Ibex Wilderness is not a trailhead, campsite, or access point.
- Southeastern non-wilderness road corridor
The documented road approach extends from the southeast toward the major mining region. Confirm its current accessibility and boundary alignment before using it; this is not a named trailhead.
- Major mining region via the road corridor
The same southeastern corridor reaches the major mining region. This is an interior approach area, not a separately documented road entrance or established trailhead; confirm where access and wilderness boundaries fall before planning a walking departure.
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
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Terrain and setting
Ibex Wilderness protects portions of the Ibex Hills, Dublin Hills, and Black Mountains in California, with Death Valley National Park to the west and south. The Ibex Hills form a craggy north–south divide, separating the alluvial slopes of Greenwater Valley to the east from the rugged Black Mountains to the west. Elevations range from about 3,000 feet to 4,752 feet at Ibex Peak on the western boundary. Bright red, yellow, and black bands distinguish the mountains’ horizontal rock layers. Hiking here calls for planning around rugged desert terrain rather than assuming a straightforward summit walk. Choose an objective that matches the group’s navigation skills and ability to move through broken country, and use a wilderness boundary map when deciding where to approach.
Mining history and access boundaries
The remains of at least a half-dozen old talc mines are scattered through Ibex Wilderness. A non-wilderness road corridor extends from the southeast into the major mining region, making the relationship between the road and the protected land an important part of trip planning. The corridor is not a general authorization to drive across the surrounding wilderness. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited within federally designated wilderness; confirm any applicable exceptions with the Bureau of Land Management. Treat the mining remains as places to observe without disturbing them, following the Leave No Trace principle of leaving what you find. Before setting out, confirm the corridor’s current accessibility and identify where any planned walking route crosses into wilderness.
Water, wildlife, and preparation
Several springs occur in the area, but water is only occasionally available. Carry enough water for the planned outing rather than making a spring essential to completing it, and treat any water collected. Desert bighorn sheep have been seen here; watch from a distance and avoid crowding wildlife around water. In this desert setting, check the forecast, plan conservatively for heat and exposure, and carry sun protection and navigation tools. Keep the day’s objective flexible enough to turn back if conditions or terrain exceed the group’s abilities. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and minimize campfire impacts. The Bureau of Land Management’s Barstow Field Office is the contact for questions about current access and wilderness regulations.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Ibex 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
- 35.8860, -116.3496
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 53′ 9.7″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 116° 20′ 58.5″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Ibex Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
A portion of the Ibex Hills and parts of the Dublin Hills and Black Mountains are preserved in this Wilderness. The Ibex Hills form a craggy, north-south divide between the alluvial slopes of Greenwater...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.886, -116.350
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Ibex 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.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Ibex Wilderness
Terrain and setting
Ibex Wilderness protects portions of the Ibex Hills, Dublin Hills, and Black Mountains in California, with Death Valley National Park to the west and south. The Ibex Hills form a craggy north–south divide, separating the alluvial slopes of Greenwater Valley to the east from the rugged Black Mountains to the west. Elevations range from about 3,000 feet to 4,752 feet at Ibex Peak on the western boundary. Bright red, yellow, and black bands distinguish the mountains’ horizontal rock layers. Hiking here calls for planning around rugged desert terrain rather than assuming a straightforward summit walk. Choose an objective that matches the group’s navigation skills and ability to move through broken country, and use a wilderness boundary map when deciding where to approach.
Mining history and access boundaries
The remains of at least a half-dozen old talc mines are scattered through Ibex Wilderness. A non-wilderness road corridor extends from the southeast into the major mining region, making the relationship between the road and the protected land an important part of trip planning. The corridor is not a general authorization to drive across the surrounding wilderness. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited within federally designated wilderness; confirm any applicable exceptions with the Bureau of Land Management. Treat the mining remains as places to observe without disturbing them, following the Leave No Trace principle of leaving what you find. Before setting out, confirm the corridor’s current accessibility and identify where any planned walking route crosses into wilderness.
Water, wildlife, and preparation
Several springs occur in the area, but water is only occasionally available. Carry enough water for the planned outing rather than making a spring essential to completing it, and treat any water collected. Desert bighorn sheep have been seen here; watch from a distance and avoid crowding wildlife around water. In this desert setting, check the forecast, plan conservatively for heat and exposure, and carry sun protection and navigation tools. Keep the day’s objective flexible enough to turn back if conditions or terrain exceed the group’s abilities. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, and minimize campfire impacts. The Bureau of Land Management’s Barstow Field Office is the contact for questions about current access and wilderness regulations.
Route options
- Ibex Hills terrain exploration
A hiking planning objective in the craggy north–south divide between Greenwater Valley and the Black Mountains. No established trail alignment is specified; choose an itinerary only after checking maps, access, and terrain.
- Talc-mining region exploration
Plan a walking outing focused on the old talc-mining remains, using the southeastern non-wilderness corridor as the approach to investigate. The ruins are scattered, not a documented connected trail or loop. Leave remains undisturbed and confirm access before committing to an itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Ibex Hills geology day · 1 day
Plan a walking outing in the Ibex Hills focused on the bright red, yellow, and black horizontal rock layers. Choose terrain within the group's abilities after checking maps and access with BLM. This is a trip concept, not a marked route.
- Talc-mining history day · 1 day
After confirming access with BLM, plan a day viewing old talc-mining remains from a safe distance. A non-Wilderness road corridor extends from the southeast toward the major mining region. Verify its boundaries and condition before travel; stay out of mine openings and structures.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Choose outings around the current forecast
Prepare for exposed desert walking and changing temperatures across elevations of about 3,000 to 4,752 feet. Carry sufficient water rather than relying on springs, which are only occasionally available.
Summer
Avoid periods of excessive heat
Treat heat and sun exposure as major planning concerns in this desert landscape. Keep outings conservative, carry ample water, and turn back before heat or water supply becomes a problem.
Fall
Check temperatures before selecting a day
Do not assume comfortable walking conditions simply because the season has changed. Plan water and sun protection for exposed slopes, and carry layers for temperature changes.
Winter
Select a suitable forecast and daylight window
Prepare for cold conditions at higher elevations and carry insulating layers. Keep plans flexible around weather, and allow enough daylight for careful travel through craggy terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Choose outings around the current forecast | Prepare for exposed desert walking and changing temperatures across elevations of about 3,000 to 4,752 feet. Carry sufficient water rather than relying on springs, which are only occasionally available. |
| Summer | Avoid periods of excessive heat | Treat heat and sun exposure as major planning concerns in this desert landscape. Keep outings conservative, carry ample water, and turn back before heat or water supply becomes a problem. |
| Fall | Check temperatures before selecting a day | Do not assume comfortable walking conditions simply because the season has changed. Plan water and sun protection for exposed slopes, and carry layers for temperature changes. |
| Winter | Select a suitable forecast and daylight window | Prepare for cold conditions at higher elevations and carry insulating layers. Keep plans flexible around weather, and allow enough daylight for careful travel through craggy terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and trip regulations with the BLM Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000.
Official source: Ibex Wilderness - California - Bureau of Land Management · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Water is unreliable: springs are only occasionally available. Carry enough for the entire outing rather than depending on a refill.
- Craggy hills and ragged mountain terrain require careful footing and navigation. Do not assume a mapped destination has an established walking route.
- Old talc-mine ruins warrant caution. Stay outside openings and away from structures rather than exploring them.
- Desert heat and sun exposure can make an otherwise manageable outing unsafe. Adjust plans to the forecast and available water.
What to pack for Ibex Wilderness
- Water sufficient for the full outing, plus a reserve
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Map showing wilderness and road-corridor boundaries
- Compass or offline navigation
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Footwear suitable for rough ground
- Insulating layer
- Weather-protective outer layer
- Bag for packing out waste
Ibex Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Ibex Wilderness?
- It protects portions of the Ibex Hills, Dublin Hills, and Black Mountains in California. Death Valley National Park lies to the west and south. Greenwater Valley's alluvial slopes lie east of the Ibex Hills.
- What is the terrain like?
- The Ibex Hills form a craggy north-south divide. Elevations range from about 3,000 feet to 4,752 feet at Ibex Peak on the western boundary. Distinctive red, yellow, and black rock layers are a major feature.
- Can vehicles or bicycles enter the wilderness?
- Motor vehicles, bicycles, and other mechanical transport are generally prohibited within designated wilderness. A separate non-Wilderness road corridor reaches toward the mining region from the southeast. Confirm boundaries, road conditions, and applicable regulations with BLM.
- Can the springs supply drinking water?
- Do not depend on them. Water is only occasionally available from several springs. Carry sufficient water for the planned outing and a reserve.
- Are there mining remains to see?
- Ruins of at least a half-dozen old talc mines are scattered through the area. View them without entering openings or structures, leave objects where they are, and avoid disturbing the remains.
- How should visitors minimize their impact?
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, and respect wildlife. Plan ahead with BLM maps and current agency guidance rather than treating a general map point as an access location.