Black Mountain Wilderness – Mojave Desert
The Black Mountain Wilderness, located in California’s Mojave Desert, offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to experience a striking landscape shaped by ancient lava flows, rugged mesas, and desert plains.
This remote wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, including golden eagles and prairie falcons, and offers opportunities for solitude, exploration, and natural wonder.
Visitors can enjoy spring wildflower displays, sweeping views from Black Mountain’s summit, and unique geological features, such as fine-grained sand deposits in the southeastern portion of the area.
Destination Details
| Season | October–May (Summer is extremely hot) |
| Location | Mojave Desert, California |
| General GPS Coordinates | 35.117109, -117.203893 |
| Elevation Range | 2,080 feet to 3,941 feet |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management (BLM) |
| Size | Approximately 20,550 acres |
| State | California |
| Nearest Major City | Barstow, CA (about 40 miles southwest) |
Getting Oriented
The Black Mountain Wilderness is a remote desert area known for its rugged terrain and stark beauty. It spans over 20,000 acres and is characterized by its namesake, Black Mountain, a 3,941-foot-high mesa that provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
The landscape features ancient lava flows, scattered desert vegetation, and the occasional bloom of spring wildflowers, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife can be observed here, including birds of prey such as golden eagles and prairie falcons.
Though there are no established trails, adventurous visitors can explore the wilderness by foot. The area contains a spring near Opal Mountain, but water and other resources are scarce. It’s essential to come prepared and respect private lands within the wilderness boundaries.
Getting to Black Mountain Wilderness
To access the Black Mountain Wilderness, start from Barstow, CA. Take I-15 north to the Harvard Road exit (Exit 206). Follow Harvard Road north for approximately 12 miles to Black Mountain Road. Continue east on Black Mountain Road for about 10 miles to reach the wilderness boundary.
The roads leading to the wilderness are unpaved and rough, especially in wet weather. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Signs marking the boundary are sparse, so bring detailed maps or a GPS device.
Destination Overview
The Black Mountain Wilderness is a destination for those seeking solitude and adventure in a remote desert environment. Visitors can summit Black Mountain for stunning views or explore the ancient lava flows and sandy areas that define the region.
Remember that no developed amenities, trails, or visitor centers exist. Hiking is off-trail and requires navigation skills, with private land parcels requiring careful planning to avoid trespassing.
Springtime may reward visitors with displays of desert wildflowers, adding a touch of vibrant color to the stark landscape.
As the wilderness is arid and remote, ensure you bring plenty of water, food, and navigation tools for your trip. While camping is permitted on BLM lands, it is best done near the wilderness perimeter to avoid disturbing fragile ecosystems.
