- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and ap…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office
Plan with verified data
Nopah Range Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Nopah Range Wilderness
How to get there
Contact the BLM Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000 for confirmed approach directions and legal entry locations. Use the BLM wilderness map to establish boundaries; an interior map marker is not a trailhead or vehicle destination.
- Nopah Range
The eastern geographic sector of the wilderness, not a confirmed entry point. Ask the BLM to identify a legal approach before planning access to the range.
- Resting Spring Range
Part of this range lies in the western wilderness. This identifies a planning area only, not a verified trailhead or parking location; confirm access with the BLM.
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
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
Two desert ranges and Chicago Valley
Nopah Range Wilderness protects 106,620 acres in California, with part of the Nopah Range in its eastern portion and part of the Resting Spring Range to the west. Between them, Chicago Valley runs north to south: a flat expanse crossed by winding, light-colored washes. The terrain includes dry mountains, hills, alluvial fans, badlands, playas, and plains, so planning a visit starts with choosing a landscape rather than assuming a single main trail. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet to the 6,395-foot summit of Nopah Peak in the northern section. That relief makes the valley and mountain country very different hiking objectives. The wilderness joined the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1994 and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Choosing a hiking objective
Hiking here calls for a plan matched to dry desert terrain and substantial elevation differences. Chicago Valley offers a landscape of plains and winding washes, while the Nopah Range and Resting Spring Range provide mountain objectives. These are geographic choices, not verified trail itineraries: confirm a legal approach, wilderness boundaries, and current conditions with the BLM before setting out. For a mountain outing, do not treat Nopah Peak's summit elevation as a measure of the climb from an access point; the starting elevation and route still need to be established. Carry adequate water, sun protection, and navigation tools, and choose an objective that leaves room to turn back. A conservative plan is more useful here than a mileage estimate unsupported by a mapped route.
Desert habitat and wilderness travel
Creosote, cactuses, yucca, and other desert shrubs grow across the bajadas below the mountains. Chicago Valley supports roaming wild burros and horses, while desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, golden eagles, and prairie falcons also occur in the area. Give animals space and avoid approaching them for photographs. Protect the sparse vegetation by choosing durable surfaces for travel and camping, packing out waste, and leaving natural objects where they lie. The BLM asks visitors to follow Leave No Trace practices adapted to the desert. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited in designated wilderness, including motor vehicles, OHVs, and bicycles. Plan wilderness travel on foot and confirm applicable regulations with the Barstow Field Office, rather than assuming a vehicle track establishes permission to drive.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Nopah Range 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
- 36.0210, -116.0721
- Latitude (DMS)
- 36° 1′ 15.5″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 116° 4′ 19.4″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Nopah Range Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Nopah Range Wilderness contains a good chunk of the Nopah Range in its eastern portion and a piece of the Resting Spring Range in its west. These ranges embody dramatic geologic landscapes, separated by...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 36.021, -116.072
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Nopah Range Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- 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.
Animals around Nopah Range Wilderness
Two desert ranges and Chicago Valley
Nopah Range Wilderness protects 106,620 acres in California, with part of the Nopah Range in its eastern portion and part of the Resting Spring Range to the west. Between them, Chicago Valley runs north to south: a flat expanse crossed by winding, light-colored washes. The terrain includes dry mountains, hills, alluvial fans, badlands, playas, and plains, so planning a visit starts with choosing a landscape rather than assuming a single main trail. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet to the 6,395-foot summit of Nopah Peak in the northern section. That relief makes the valley and mountain country very different hiking objectives. The wilderness joined the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1994 and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Choosing a hiking objective
Hiking here calls for a plan matched to dry desert terrain and substantial elevation differences. Chicago Valley offers a landscape of plains and winding washes, while the Nopah Range and Resting Spring Range provide mountain objectives. These are geographic choices, not verified trail itineraries: confirm a legal approach, wilderness boundaries, and current conditions with the BLM before setting out. For a mountain outing, do not treat Nopah Peak's summit elevation as a measure of the climb from an access point; the starting elevation and route still need to be established. Carry adequate water, sun protection, and navigation tools, and choose an objective that leaves room to turn back. A conservative plan is more useful here than a mileage estimate unsupported by a mapped route.
Desert habitat and wilderness travel
Creosote, cactuses, yucca, and other desert shrubs grow across the bajadas below the mountains. Chicago Valley supports roaming wild burros and horses, while desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, golden eagles, and prairie falcons also occur in the area. Give animals space and avoid approaching them for photographs. Protect the sparse vegetation by choosing durable surfaces for travel and camping, packing out waste, and leaving natural objects where they lie. The BLM asks visitors to follow Leave No Trace practices adapted to the desert. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited in designated wilderness, including motor vehicles, OHVs, and bicycles. Plan wilderness travel on foot and confirm applicable regulations with the Barstow Field Office, rather than assuming a vehicle track establishes permission to drive.
Route options
- Chicago Valley
A potential hiking planning area between the two ranges, characterized by flat plains and winding, light-colored washes. No specific trail alignment or start point is established here; confirm an approach and map an itinerary before visiting.
- Nopah Peak
The 6,395-foot summit in the northern section is a potential mountain objective, not a documented summit route. Establish access, terrain requirements, and a feasible line of travel before committing to an ascent.
Sample itineraries
- Chicago Valley Landscape Walk · 1 day
Plan a conservative day walk in Chicago Valley to explore its flat desert terrain and winding, light-colored washes. Watch for wild horses and burros from a distance. Confirm legal access with BLM and choose an out-and-back suited to conditions; this is not a marked-route description.
- Nopah Range Geology Day · 1 day
Explore the Nopah Range's lower desert terrain, focusing on alluvial fans, hills, and the transition from shrub-covered bajadas to barren mountains. Confirm access and terrain before choosing a walking route. Keep the outing within navigation skills rather than treating Nopah Peak as a routine summit objective.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; choose outings around the forecast
Plan for exposed desert walking across washes, plains, and bajadas. Carry water and sun protection even when temperatures feel comfortable. Conditions at higher elevations can differ from those in Chicago Valley.
Summer
Summer; avoid strenuous travel during hot conditions
The dry mountains and open valley terrain call for conservative heat planning. Shorten or postpone walks when the forecast is hot, carry all needed water, and do not depend on shade.
Fall
Fall; assess temperatures before committing
Do not assume desert heat has ended. Match walking time and water supplies to the forecast, and carry layers for temperature changes between the valley and higher mountain terrain.
Winter
Winter; check forecasts for the intended elevation
Prepare for cold conditions rather than assuming desert terrain will be warm. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet to 6,395 feet at Nopah Peak, so pack layers and assess mountain conditions separately from valley conditions.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; choose outings around the forecast | Plan for exposed desert walking across washes, plains, and bajadas. Carry water and sun protection even when temperatures feel comfortable. Conditions at higher elevations can differ from those in Chicago Valley. |
| Summer | Summer; avoid strenuous travel during hot conditions | The dry mountains and open valley terrain call for conservative heat planning. Shorten or postpone walks when the forecast is hot, carry all needed water, and do not depend on shade. |
| Fall | Fall; assess temperatures before committing | Do not assume desert heat has ended. Match walking time and water supplies to the forecast, and carry layers for temperature changes between the valley and higher mountain terrain. |
| Winter | Winter; check forecasts for the intended elevation | Prepare for cold conditions rather than assuming desert terrain will be warm. Elevations range from about 1,800 feet to 6,395 feet at Nopah Peak, so pack layers and assess mountain conditions separately from valley conditions. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and applicable wilderness regulations with the BLM Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000.
Official source: Nopah Range Wilderness - California - Bureau of Land Management · Verified November 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Dry, exposed desert terrain requires careful heat and water planning. Carry all needed drinking water rather than assuming washes provide it.
- Winding washes and broad plains require deliberate navigation. Carry a map and a backup navigation method, and track the return route.
- Mountain terrain rises well above the valley. Choose objectives that match fitness and navigation skills, and allow for changing conditions with elevation.
- Wild horses and burros roam Chicago Valley. Give them space and avoid approaching or feeding them.
What to pack for Nopah Range Wilderness
- Drinking water for the entire outing plus a contingency supply
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Wilderness boundary map and topographic map
- Compass and offline navigation
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Emergency shelter
- Sturdy walking footwear
- Layers suited to the forecast and elevation
- Food for the outing
- Waste bags for packing out trash
Nopah Range Wilderness FAQ
- What landscape does Nopah Range Wilderness protect?
- This 106,620-acre California wilderness includes part of the Nopah Range in the east and the Resting Spring Range in the west, separated by Chicago Valley. Expect dry mountains, badlands, alluvial fans, playas, plains, and washes.
- Can bicycles or off-highway vehicles enter the wilderness?
- Motor vehicles, including OHVs, bicycles, and other mechanical transport are generally prohibited within designated wilderness. Contact BLM about applicable regulations before planning access.
- Is the mapped inventory point a trailhead?
- No. The inventory point lies inside the wilderness boundary and is not a trailhead, campsite, or access point. Confirm a suitable legal access location with the BLM Barstow Field Office.
- How high is Nopah Peak?
- Nopah Peak reaches 6,395 feet in the northern section of the wilderness. Lower terrain is about 1,800 feet. Plan for substantial elevation differences without assuming a maintained summit route.
- How should visitors reduce their impact?
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, leave natural objects where they are, minimize campfire impacts, and respect wildlife. Protect desert vegetation, including creosote, cactuses, and yucca, when choosing where to walk or rest.
- Who manages the wilderness?
- The Bureau of Land Management manages Nopah Range Wilderness. Contact the Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000 for access planning and current regulations.