Dead Mountains Wilderness – Mojave Desert
The Dead Mountains Wilderness, located in the Mojave Desert along the California-Nevada border, is a remote and dramatic landscape featuring jagged, rust-colored mountains and expansive alluvial fans stretching toward the Piute Valley and Colorado River.
Home to unique desert vegetation, abundant wildlife, and stunning geological formations, this 47,157-acre wilderness area offers opportunities for solitude, hiking, wildlife observation, and exploring Picture Canyon and Piute Wash. Mount Manchester, the wilderness’ highest peak, rises to 3,598 feet, providing sweeping views of the desert below.
Destination Details
| Season | October–May (Summer temperatures can be extreme) |
| Location | Mojave Desert, California |
| Geographic Coordinates | 34.994271, -114.743123 |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management (BLM) |
| Size | 47,157 acres |
| State | California |
| Nearest Major City | Needles, CA (15 miles away) |
| Contact | Phone: 760-326-7000 |
| Email: BLM_CA_Web_NE@blm.gov |
Getting to Dead Mountains Wilderness
From Needles, CA, take Interstate 40 west for approximately 10 miles to the U.S. Highway 95 north exit. Continue north on U.S. Highway 95 for about 15 miles. Look for a wilderness kiosk sign on your right-hand side, marking the entrance. Visitors should note that roads around the wilderness may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after heavy rains.
For those traveling from Nevada, the wilderness is easily accessible from campgrounds near the state line, offering additional options for staging desert adventures.
Getting Oriented
The Dead Mountains Wilderness encompasses a striking combination of rugged terrain and desert biodiversity. Its centerpiece, Mount Manchester, rises dramatically amidst steep mountain slopes and washes that harbor creosote and desert scrub vegetation, along with rare smoke trees in its washes.
Wildlife is abundant and includes Mojave staples like bighorn sheep, coyotes, roadrunners, and even golden eagles. The wilderness also provides critical habitat for the threatened desert tortoise, making it a vital ecological reserve. Visitors can explore Picture Canyon’s spring-fed wash or enjoy the stark beauty of Piute Wash along the western boundary.
The area’s remote location and lack of developed facilities make it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and unspoiled desert landscapes. The region is subject to extreme temperatures and occasional intrusions from OHVs along its borders, so planning ahead is essential.
While there are no designated trails, hikers can explore Picture Canyon and other washes, navigating a landscape of vibrant red and brown hues contrasted with pale desert vegetation. Mount Manchester offers a challenging climb with rewarding views, and wildlife enthusiasts may encounter bighorn sheep or the elusive desert tortoise.
Visitors should come prepared with ample water, sun protection, and navigation tools, as the area lacks amenities and cell service is unreliable.
The best time to visit is between October and May, when temperatures are mild and conditions are more favorable for outdoor activities.
