- 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
South Nopah Range Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of South Nopah Range Wilderness
How to get there
The Old Spanish Trail is the northern geographic reference, with Nopah Range Wilderness lying across it from South Nopah Range Wilderness. Confirm a legal approach and parking location with the BLM Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000. The mapped inventory point is inside the wilderness and is not a trailhead, campsite, or access point.
- Old Spanish Trail — northern side
A geographic reference for planning a northern approach, not a confirmed trailhead or parking area. Nopah Range Wilderness lies across the Old Spanish Trail. Ask BLM to confirm where legal access is available.
- California Valley — eastern side
California Valley extends into the eastern wilderness. This identifies an approach-planning area only; no specific road entry, parking area, or trailhead is established here. Confirm access with 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
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Rolling bajadas below folded mountains
South Nopah Range Wilderness protects a desert landscape where gently rolling alluvial slopes, or bajadas, rise from the east and west toward the rugged southern folds of the Nopah Mountain Range. Soft-colored sedimentary rock forms the mountains, which reach about 4,200 feet. California Valley extends into the eastern wilderness, adding low desert terrain to the mountain setting. The contrast between broad slopes and rugged rock is the main feature to build a visit around: walking the lower ground is a different undertaking from entering the mountain folds. This is a trail-free landscape rather than a network of signed hikes. Across the Old Spanish Trail at the north end lies the separate Nopah Range Wilderness; keep that distinction clear when choosing maps and planning access.
Planning a trail-free desert walk
There are no trails in South Nopah Range Wilderness, and drinking water is scarce. Plan a self-directed walk with enough carried water for the full outing rather than relying on a refill. Bring navigation tools that work without a connection, and choose a turnaround point that matches the terrain and the group's ability to retrace its path. The rolling bajadas offer a different terrain choice from the rugged mountain folds, but neither comes with a marked route. Sparse vegetation makes sun protection an important part of preparation, and the desert setting calls for checking weather before departure. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited in designated wilderness. Confirm applicable regulations and approach conditions with the Bureau of Land Management before traveling.
Wildlife, sparse plants, and mining traces
Desert bighorn sheep may be seen in South Nopah Range Wilderness, especially in its northern portion. Wild horses and wild burros also occur here, and prairie falcons have been observed hunting over the low desert. Treat wildlife sightings as a possibility, not a promised part of an itinerary: watch from a distance and avoid approaching or following animals. Vegetation is sparse, but the wilderness supports ivory-spined agave, a plant worth noticing without disturbing. In the southern portion, evidence of old mining activity adds a human layer to the landscape. Leave those traces and other objects where they lie. Low-impact travel matters throughout the area: use durable surfaces for walking and camping, pack out waste, and avoid trampling the scattered vegetation while navigating across open ground.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to South 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
- 35.8472, -116.0894
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 50′ 49.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 116° 5′ 21.7″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for South 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
Easily rolling alluvial slopes (bajadas) from the east and west sweep gently up to the south end of the rugged folds of the Nopah Mountain Range in the South Nopah Range Wilderness. Shaded with soft colors...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.847, -116.089
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at South Nopah Range 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.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around South Nopah Range Wilderness
Rolling bajadas below folded mountains
South Nopah Range Wilderness protects a desert landscape where gently rolling alluvial slopes, or bajadas, rise from the east and west toward the rugged southern folds of the Nopah Mountain Range. Soft-colored sedimentary rock forms the mountains, which reach about 4,200 feet. California Valley extends into the eastern wilderness, adding low desert terrain to the mountain setting. The contrast between broad slopes and rugged rock is the main feature to build a visit around: walking the lower ground is a different undertaking from entering the mountain folds. This is a trail-free landscape rather than a network of signed hikes. Across the Old Spanish Trail at the north end lies the separate Nopah Range Wilderness; keep that distinction clear when choosing maps and planning access.
Planning a trail-free desert walk
There are no trails in South Nopah Range Wilderness, and drinking water is scarce. Plan a self-directed walk with enough carried water for the full outing rather than relying on a refill. Bring navigation tools that work without a connection, and choose a turnaround point that matches the terrain and the group's ability to retrace its path. The rolling bajadas offer a different terrain choice from the rugged mountain folds, but neither comes with a marked route. Sparse vegetation makes sun protection an important part of preparation, and the desert setting calls for checking weather before departure. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited in designated wilderness. Confirm applicable regulations and approach conditions with the Bureau of Land Management before traveling.
Wildlife, sparse plants, and mining traces
Desert bighorn sheep may be seen in South Nopah Range Wilderness, especially in its northern portion. Wild horses and wild burros also occur here, and prairie falcons have been observed hunting over the low desert. Treat wildlife sightings as a possibility, not a promised part of an itinerary: watch from a distance and avoid approaching or following animals. Vegetation is sparse, but the wilderness supports ivory-spined agave, a plant worth noticing without disturbing. In the southern portion, evidence of old mining activity adds a human layer to the landscape. Leave those traces and other objects where they lie. Low-impact travel matters throughout the area: use durable surfaces for walking and camping, pack out waste, and avoid trampling the scattered vegetation while navigating across open ground.
Route options
- Eastern or western bajadas — self-directed walk
Plan an out-and-back on the rolling alluvial slopes below the southern Nopah Mountain Range. This is a terrain-based option, not an established route; select the starting point only after confirming legal access, and carry water and navigation tools.
- California Valley — self-directed exploration
Consider the valley terrain extending into the eastern wilderness for a low-desert outing. There is no marked trail or prescribed itinerary; establish an accessible starting point and a conservative turnaround before setting out.
Sample itineraries
- Eastern Bajadas and California Valley · 1 day
Plan a self-directed day hike on the eastern alluvial slopes, where California Valley extends into the wilderness. Favor rolling terrain over rugged mountain folds. There are no trails; confirm legal access with BLM, carry navigation tools and all drinking water, and retrace a manageable route.
- Northern Wilderness Wildlife Walk · 1 day
Explore suitable terrain in the northern portion on a self-directed day walk, watching from a distance for desert bighorn sheep. Confirm access before departure. Choose a turnaround based on terrain, weather and water supplies rather than a fixed destination; no maintained trail connects the sights.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Weather-dependent spring outings
Choose moderate conditions for cross-country walking. Sparse vegetation offers little shelter from sun, and drinking water is scarce. Carry the full day's water and check the forecast before committing to exposed slopes.
Summer
Only when heat allows safe travel
Treat heat and sun exposure as major planning constraints in this sparsely vegetated desert. Keep plans conservative, avoid strenuous travel in hot conditions, and do not rely on finding water.
Fall
Weather-dependent fall outings
Use the forecast rather than the season alone to judge hiking conditions. Exposed bajadas and trail-less mountain terrain still demand sun protection, ample water and a clear turnaround plan.
Winter
Suitable winter weather
Prepare for cold and wind on exposed terrain. The sedimentary range reaches about 4,200 feet, so pack insulating layers as well as sun protection. Water scarcity and navigation demands remain important.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Weather-dependent spring outings | Choose moderate conditions for cross-country walking. Sparse vegetation offers little shelter from sun, and drinking water is scarce. Carry the full day's water and check the forecast before committing to exposed slopes. |
| Summer | Only when heat allows safe travel | Treat heat and sun exposure as major planning constraints in this sparsely vegetated desert. Keep plans conservative, avoid strenuous travel in hot conditions, and do not rely on finding water. |
| Fall | Weather-dependent fall outings | Use the forecast rather than the season alone to judge hiking conditions. Exposed bajadas and trail-less mountain terrain still demand sun protection, ample water and a clear turnaround plan. |
| Winter | Suitable winter weather | Prepare for cold and wind on exposed terrain. The sedimentary range reaches about 4,200 feet, so pack insulating layers as well as sun protection. Water scarcity and navigation demands remain important. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and trip regulations with the BLM Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000.
Official source: South Nopah Range Wilderness - California · Verified November 4, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Scarce drinking water: carry enough for the entire outing and an emergency margin; do not count on replenishing supplies.
- Trail-less terrain: navigation and route selection are the visitor's responsibility. Carry a map and compass plus offline navigation.
- Rugged mountain folds: gentle bajadas lead toward more demanding terrain. Turn around before the route exceeds the group's abilities.
- Desert exposure: sparse vegetation provides little shade. Adjust effort and trip length to heat, sun and changing weather.
- Old mining activity in the southern portion: avoid entering workings or disturbing mining remnants.
What to pack for South Nopah Range Wilderness
- All drinking water plus an emergency reserve
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Lightweight sun-protective clothing
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Emergency shelter
- Footwear suited to uneven cross-country terrain
- Insulating layer and wind protection
- Food for the outing plus extra
- Waste bags
South Nopah Range Wilderness FAQ
- Are there hiking trails?
- No. South Nopah Range Wilderness has no trails. Hiking requires cross-country navigation and independent route selection; the rolling bajadas should not be mistaken for marked routes.
- What is the landscape like?
- Eastern and western bajadas rise toward rugged sedimentary mountain folds reaching about 4,200 feet. California Valley extends into the eastern wilderness. Vegetation is sparse, with ivory-spined agave among the plants supported here.
- Where should access planning begin?
- Contact the BLM Barstow Field Office at 760-252-6000 and review a wilderness boundary map before choosing an approach. A map point inside the wilderness is not necessarily a trailhead, campsite or legal access point.
- Are bicycles or motor vehicles allowed?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles and motor vehicles, are generally prohibited in federally designated wilderness. Contact BLM for applicable regulations and any specific exceptions.
- Is this the same as Nopah Range Wilderness?
- No. Nopah Range Wilderness lies across the Old Spanish Trail to the north. Check boundaries carefully when planning a South Nopah Range Wilderness outing.
- How should visitors protect the area?
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out waste, leave natural objects and mining remnants in place, minimize campfire impacts, and respect wildlife. Avoid trampling sparse vegetation, including ivory-spined agave.