- 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
Plan with verified data
Soda Mountains Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Soda Mountains Wilderness
How to get there
Approach via Interstate 15 between Barstow and Baker; the wilderness lies northwest of the interstate. Afton Road, Basin Road, and Zzyyxx Road provide approaches to the backcountry. Confirm road conditions, legal parking, and wilderness entry locations with the Bureau of Land Management before setting out.
- Afton Road
An Interstate 15 exit identified for backcountry access to the Soda Mountains. Treat it as an approach rather than a confirmed trailhead; verify the onward route and wilderness boundary.
- Basin Road
An Interstate 15 exit providing an approach toward the backcountry. Check road conditions and establish a legal parking and entry location before travel.
- Zzyyxx Road
An Interstate 15 exit identified as an access approach. Confirm the onward road connection and legal wilderness access rather than assuming the exit leads to a developed hiking trail.
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
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
A Mojave range northwest of Interstate 15
Soda Mountains Wilderness lies in California, northwest of Interstate 15 between Barstow and Baker. This horseshoe-shaped desert range offers hiking among multicolored canyons whose steep, rocky walls grade from brown at the base through red to gold above. Creosote, barrel cacti, cholla, yuccas, and Crucifixion thorn are part of the vegetation here. The wilderness was designated in 2019 and encompasses roughly 80,090 acres. This is Soda Mountains Wilderness in California, not the similarly named Soda Mountain Wilderness in Oregon. Plan around desert terrain rather than a developed trail network: proximity to the interstate does not establish a maintained route into the canyons. Carry navigation tools, sufficient drinking water, and sun protection, and choose an outing that leaves enough time for the return.
Intermittent lakes and desert wildlife
East Cronese and West Cronese are two intermittent lakes that add a different habitat to this desert landscape. They support wintering and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, including the Yuma clapper rail. Concentrations of water-related birds also attract raptors. Elsewhere, desert bighorn sheep occupy large portions of the range, while the southern portion supports desert tortoises. The contrast between rocky mountain country and intermittent lake habitat is a useful focus for a visit, but neither lake should be treated as a dependable drinking-water source. Carry the water needed for the full outing. Watch wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching animals for photographs. Around the lakes, give feeding and resting birds room rather than pressing closer to the water's edge.
Backcountry travel and cultural care
Evidence of ancient Native American use remains in anthropomorphic figures, portions of aboriginal trail systems, and locations associated with salt and hunting camps. Leave these features undisturbed; do not collect objects or alter markings. For trip planning, distinguish a highway exit from a verified place to park or enter the wilderness. Afton Road, Basin Road, and Zzyyxx Road are access approaches, but current road conditions and the wilderness boundary need checking before travel. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited within wilderness, so do not assume a backcountry road continues as a legal driving route. Confirm current access, regulations, and any permit requirements with the Bureau of Land Management. For canyon travel, allow extra time for steep, rocky terrain and turn back before conditions exceed the group's abilities.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Soda 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
- 35.1445, -116.3678
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 8′ 40.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 116° 22′ 4.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Soda 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
This scenic, horseshoe-shaped range includes the terminus of the great Mojave. Creosote, barrel cacti, cholla, and yuccas can be found along with the unique Crucifixion thorn. Two intermittent lakes, East...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.145, -116.368
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Soda Mountains Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- 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.
- 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 Soda Mountains Wilderness
A Mojave range northwest of Interstate 15
Soda Mountains Wilderness lies in California, northwest of Interstate 15 between Barstow and Baker. This horseshoe-shaped desert range offers hiking among multicolored canyons whose steep, rocky walls grade from brown at the base through red to gold above. Creosote, barrel cacti, cholla, yuccas, and Crucifixion thorn are part of the vegetation here. The wilderness was designated in 2019 and encompasses roughly 80,090 acres. This is Soda Mountains Wilderness in California, not the similarly named Soda Mountain Wilderness in Oregon. Plan around desert terrain rather than a developed trail network: proximity to the interstate does not establish a maintained route into the canyons. Carry navigation tools, sufficient drinking water, and sun protection, and choose an outing that leaves enough time for the return.
Intermittent lakes and desert wildlife
East Cronese and West Cronese are two intermittent lakes that add a different habitat to this desert landscape. They support wintering and migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, including the Yuma clapper rail. Concentrations of water-related birds also attract raptors. Elsewhere, desert bighorn sheep occupy large portions of the range, while the southern portion supports desert tortoises. The contrast between rocky mountain country and intermittent lake habitat is a useful focus for a visit, but neither lake should be treated as a dependable drinking-water source. Carry the water needed for the full outing. Watch wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching animals for photographs. Around the lakes, give feeding and resting birds room rather than pressing closer to the water's edge.
Backcountry travel and cultural care
Evidence of ancient Native American use remains in anthropomorphic figures, portions of aboriginal trail systems, and locations associated with salt and hunting camps. Leave these features undisturbed; do not collect objects or alter markings. For trip planning, distinguish a highway exit from a verified place to park or enter the wilderness. Afton Road, Basin Road, and Zzyyxx Road are access approaches, but current road conditions and the wilderness boundary need checking before travel. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited within wilderness, so do not assume a backcountry road continues as a legal driving route. Confirm current access, regulations, and any permit requirements with the Bureau of Land Management. For canyon travel, allow extra time for steep, rocky terrain and turn back before conditions exceed the group's abilities.
Route options
- Multicolored canyon exploration
Plan a hiking outing focused on the range's canyons, with steep, rocky walls changing from brown to red to gold. This is a terrain-based outing, not a specified maintained trail. Verify an entry point and choose a turnaround suited to the terrain and available daylight.
- East Cronese and West Cronese lake-area exploration
Use the intermittent lake habitats as a focus for bird observation and landscape exploration. No connecting trail or established circuit is specified. Verify legal access before choosing an approach, keep clear of resting and feeding birds, and carry drinking water.
Sample itineraries
- Soda Mountains canyon day · 1 day
Plan a walking exploration of the range’s multicolored canyons, where steep walls grade from brown to red to gold. Choose an approach after checking maps and current access from Afton Road, Basin Road, or Zzyyxx Road. These are backcountry access roads, not confirmed trailheads.
- Cronese lakes birdwatching day · 1 day
Build a birdwatching day around East Cronese and West Cronese, with access verified before departure. These intermittent lakes support wintering and migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. Water and sightings are not guaranteed; observe from a distance and avoid disturbing birds.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Plan for desert sun and variable weather. The intermittent Cronese lakes provide migratory bird habitat, but do not assume standing water or dependable drinking water. Check current conditions before choosing a canyon or lake-focused outing.
Summer
Summer
Treat heat and sun exposure as primary desert planning concerns. Carry sufficient water, keep walking objectives conservative, and turn back before supplies run low. Do not rely on East Cronese or West Cronese for water.
Fall
Fall
Prepare for changing desert temperatures rather than assuming consistently mild weather. Migrating birds may use the intermittent lakes, but lake conditions and sightings vary. Check weather and access before setting out.
Winter
Winter
East Cronese and West Cronese provide wintering bird habitat. Bring layers for cold desert conditions and allow time for stationary birdwatching. Intermittent lakes should not be treated as reliable water supplies.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Plan for desert sun and variable weather. The intermittent Cronese lakes provide migratory bird habitat, but do not assume standing water or dependable drinking water. Check current conditions before choosing a canyon or lake-focused outing. |
| Summer | Summer | Treat heat and sun exposure as primary desert planning concerns. Carry sufficient water, keep walking objectives conservative, and turn back before supplies run low. Do not rely on East Cronese or West Cronese for water. |
| Fall | Fall | Prepare for changing desert temperatures rather than assuming consistently mild weather. Migrating birds may use the intermittent lakes, but lake conditions and sightings vary. Check weather and access before setting out. |
| Winter | Winter | East Cronese and West Cronese provide wintering bird habitat. Bring layers for cold desert conditions and allow time for stationary birdwatching. Intermittent lakes should not be treated as reliable water supplies. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and trip regulations with the Bureau of Land Management for Soda Mountains Wilderness in California.
Official source: Soda Mountain Wilderness - Oregon - Bureau of Land Management · Verified November 4, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Steep, rocky canyon walls require conservative route choices; avoid terrain that cannot be safely reversed.
- Desert heat and sun exposure can exhaust water supplies quickly. Carry water rather than depending on intermittent lakes.
- Cholla, barrel cacti, yuccas, and Crucifixion thorn warrant careful footing and space when passing vegetation.
- Backcountry access roads are not confirmed hiking routes or trailheads. Verify your approach and carry navigation tools.
What to pack for Soda Mountains Wilderness
- Water sufficient for the entire outing and delays
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Topographic map with wilderness boundaries
- Offline navigation and backup
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Temperature-appropriate layers
- Sturdy footwear
- Binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
- Bag for packing out waste
Soda Mountains Wilderness FAQ
- Is this the same place as Soda Mountain Wilderness in Oregon?
- No. Soda Mountains Wilderness is in California, northwest of Interstate 15 between Barstow and Baker. Soda Mountain Wilderness, singular, is in Oregon. Do not apply Oregon access directions or fee information to this California destination.
- Where can the backcountry be accessed?
- Afton Road, Basin Road, and Zzyyxx Road are the identified exits from Interstate 15 for backcountry access. Confirm current road conditions, legal parking, and wilderness boundaries before departure; an exit alone does not identify a trailhead.
- Are East Cronese and West Cronese dependable water sources?
- No. Both lakes are intermittent. Carry your own drinking water and plan birdwatching around current conditions rather than expecting full lakes.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- The horseshoe-shaped Mojave range contains canyons with steep walls colored brown, red, and gold. Creosote, barrel cacti, cholla, yuccas, and Crucifixion thorn characterize its desert vegetation.
- How should cultural sites be treated?
- Evidence of ancient Native American use includes anthropomorphic figures, portions of trail systems, and salt and hunting camp locations. Leave objects and features untouched, avoid walking on them, and do not disclose sensitive locations.
- Can the mapped inventory point be used as a trailhead?
- No. The inventory point lies inside the wilderness boundary and is not a trailhead, campsite, or access point. Use a verified access plan instead of navigating directly to that point.