Chuckwalla National Monument

Spanning over 600,000 acres of rugged desert terrain in Southern California’s Colorado Desert, Chuckwalla National Monument offers a vast expanse of dramatic canyons, ancient geologic formations, and a rich array of wildlife.
Named after the hearty chuckwalla lizards that inhabit the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts, will protect more than 600,000 acres of desert habitat southeast of Joshua Tree, including the Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness, Orocopia Mountains Wilderness, and Mecca Hills Wilderness, popular outdoor adventure destinations.
You can explore remote backcountry trails, encounter petroglyphs and remnants of World War II training sites, and marvel at sweeping desert vistas that stretch to the horizon. With cooler temperatures in fall, winter, and spring, the area is particularly appealing for hiking and camping.
Destination Details
Season | October to April (best in cooler months) |
Location | Southeast of Joshua Tree National Park, between the I-10 corridor and the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range |
General GPS Coordinates | 33.566, -115.290 (approximate center) |
Management | U.S. Bureau of Land Management & Tribal Co-Stewardship |
Size | 624,270 acres |
Nearest major city | Indio (approximately 50–60 miles west) |
How to Get to the Destination
From the Los Angeles area, follow Interstate 10 east toward Indio. Depending on your chosen access point, you can exit near the towns of Coachella or Desert Center:
- Northwestern Access (Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Area)
Take the CA-86S/CA-111 exit and travel southeast to Mecca, then follow local roads toward the Mecca Hills Wilderness. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for unpaved routes leading into the monument. - Central/Eastern Access (Chuckwalla Mountains Area)
Continue east on I-10 past Indio and exit near Desert Center. Head south on state or county roads (often unpaved) that lead into the Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness. Ensure you have a reliable map or GPS as cell service is spotty. - Southern Access (Bradshaw Trail)
The historic Bradshaw Trail cuts through the southern portion of the monument. Access it near the Palo Verde Valley or from Highway 78 in Imperial County. This backcountry byway is mostly dirt and requires careful planning and a capable vehicle.
Destination Overview

Encompassing sections of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts, Chuckwalla National Monument features an austere landscape shaped by ancient tectonics and millennia of wind and water erosion. The mountain ranges—Chuckwalla, Orocopia, and Mecca Hills—are characterized by rocky slopes, deep canyons, and arid washes. Desert temperatures can be extreme, soaring above 100°F in summer. Most visitors opt to explore the monument in the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring.
Hiking

- Slot Canyon Exploration in Mecca Hills
The Mecca Hills Wilderness offers winding slot canyons with fascinating rock formations and colorful strata. Trails vary from short interpretive loops to longer, more challenging scrambles through narrows. Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail is a popular hike in the area that requires climbing ladders in certain areas. - Rugged Backcountry Treks
The Orocopia and Chuckwalla Mountains Wildernesses provide routes for more experienced hikers. Expect limited trail markers; navigation skills are essential. Desert bighorn sheep sightings are possible in these remote areas. - Bradshaw Trail Overlanding
While not a hike, the Bradshaw Trail cuts across the monument’s southern reaches. It’s a designated Back Country Byway known for its wide-open desert scenery and historical significance as a 19th-century stagecoach route.

- Red Canyon Jeep Trail
Red Canyon Jeep Trail is a easy 13.8-mile, beginner-friendly off-road route that winds through the Orocopia Mountains, offering stunning desert views of canyons and mountain ranges.
Camping
- BLM Dispersed Camping
Much of the monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Dispersed camping is generally allowed in designated areas, but visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and local regulations. Always camp at least 200 feet from water sources to protect delicate riparian habitats. - Nearby Developed Campgrounds
Currently, there are no large developed campgrounds within Chuckwalla National Monument. However, you can find established sites with amenities at regional parks or BLM facilities just outside the monument. Check for updates from the BLM or local agencies as facilities may expand. - Backcountry Wilderness Camping
Some wilderness areas permit backcountry camping with a free permit. Regulations vary by location; consult BLM guidelines or the co-managing Tribal office to ensure compliance and cultural respect.
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Petroglyphs at Corn Springs
Corn Springs, within the Chuckwalla Mountains, features Native American petroglyphs. This area provides insight into the region’s cultural heritage. A small BLM campground is nearby (outside the monument boundary, though still close) and offers picnic tables and fire rings. - World War II Training Sites
The monument encompasses lands once used for military training during World War II. Remnants of old roads, airstrips, and camps can still be discovered by intrepid explorers.
Safety Tips
- Navigation
Many areas are remote with unmarked routes. Carry topographic maps, a GPS device, or a reliable navigation app with offline maps. Cell service is limited. - Water and Hydration
Desert conditions can be unforgiving. Bring ample water—at least one gallon per person per day—especially for hiking or backcountry travel. - Vehicle Preparedness
Unpaved and rocky roads require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Pack extra fuel, tires, and a vehicle emergency kit. - Leave No Trace
Practice responsible recreation: pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and avoid creating new trails or disturbing cultural sites. - Permits and Regulations
Rules may vary between the different wilderness areas within the monument. Check with the BLM or Tribal authorities for any permits required for camping, hiking, or large-group outings.
With a diversity of desert landscapes, intriguing historical features, and abundant opportunities for solitude, Chuckwalla National Monument stands as a vital new addition to Southern California’s network of protected lands. Whether you’re seeking challenging hikes, scenic drives, or immersive backcountry camping, this desert haven promises a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts.