Orocopia Mountain Wilderness
Located in Southern California, just to the south of Joshua Tree National Park, the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness is an often-overlooked gem in the vast desert landscape of the Sonoran Desert. Known for its rugged terrain and stunning vistas, the Orocopia Mountains offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and solitude of Southern California’s wilderness.
The wilderness area spans approximately 30,000 acres and is part of the larger Orocopia Mountains. It is characterized by steep slopes, deep canyons, and striking rock formations. For adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, this area provides opportunities for hiking, backpacking, nearby off-road trails, and wildlife viewing.
Destinations Details
| Location | Southeastern California, in the Colorado Desert region. |
| Size | Approximately 28,000 acres. |
| Access | Accessible from Interstate 10, with trailheads near Mecca and the Salton Sea. |
| Activities | Hiking, wildlife watching, photography, and desert exploration. |
| Best Time to Visit | Fall, winter, and spring (due to extreme summer heat). |
| Elevation | Peaks reach up to 3,000 feet. |
| Wildlife | Desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, desert tortoises, and various bird species. |
| Unique Features | The Orocopia Fault, rugged terrain, and panoramic views of the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley. |
| Nearby Attractions | Joshua Tree National Park, the Salton Sea, and the San Bernardino National Forest. |
Getting to the Orocopia Mountains
The mountains are located in Riverside County, 20 miles southeast of Indio, California. Interstate 10 provides access to the wilderness from the north, State Highway 195 (Box Canyon Road) from the west and the Chiriaco Summit exit south along the Red Canyon four-wheel drive trail. The Bradshaw Trail provides access from the south.
Overview
The Orocopia Mountains form the eastern edge of the San Bernardino Valley, rising dramatically from the surrounding desert floor. With elevations ranging from around 1,000 feet to over 4,000 feet at its highest point, the wilderness area features a mix of desert and montane ecosystems, offering diverse landscapes and plant communities. The Mecca Hills Wilderness is to the west, and the Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness to the east. The Meccacopia Jeep Trail separates Mecca Hills from the Orocopia Mountains.
Access to the wilderness is limited, with the closest major roads being Route 86 and I-10. Visitors can enter the area via several dirt roads, though some routes may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially during inclement weather. Once inside the wilderness, trailheads lead to several notable hikes, including the popular Orocopia Mountain Trail.
Flora and Fauna
The Orocopia Mountains Wilderness is home to various wildlife, including desert species such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises. The diverse plant life includes yucca, creosote bushes, and ocotillo, as well as occasional stands of juniper and pine at higher elevations. Birdwatchers may spot red-tailed hawks, roadrunners, and other desert-adapted species.
Recreational Opportunities
Other than driving the dirt road and jeep trails in the area, hiking is the other primary activity in the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness, with several established trails offering access to the more remote areas of the range. We will add more details on trails to this guide as we gather more reliable info.
Off-road vehicles aren’t allowed off designated trails in the protected wilderness area. The Bradshaw and Red Canyon trails mentioned above pass through and near parts of the Orocopia Mountains that aren’t designated wilderness. Please respect the wilderness area set aside to conserve the fragile desert ecosystem.
There are several off-road trails in the region, shown on the map below:
Camping
Camping is generally allowed in the area and is limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from the previous site. Please camp in previously disturbed sites.
Red Canyon Jeep Trail offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along its route. Many spots are nestled within the canyons, providing some protection from the wind and stunning views of the starry desert skies. You can also camp on BLM land to the south of the mountains, but be very careful to stay out of the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range to the south.
Precautions and Considerations
The Orocopia Mountains Wilderness is remote and can be challenging and even dangerous, particularly in the summer months when temperatures can soar above 100°F. Visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and appropriate gear.
Due to the lack of water sources in the area, visitors should be self-sufficient and plan accordingly. Additionally, the wilderness area is part of the larger California Desert Conservation Area, so regulations regarding off-road vehicles, camping, and permits must be followed.
