Rodman Mountain Wilderness

Rodmam Mountain Wilderness in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, between Lucerne Valley and Barstow, is a captivating landscape defined by colorful escarpments, white mountains adorned with red and black hues, and an intricate maze of canyons and majestic bajadas. This remote and expansive wilderness area offers hiking, camping, off-roading and wildlife observation.
Rodmam Mountain Wilderness is distinguished by a prominent lava flow that forms a long mesa stretching from northwest to southeast, effectively dividing the terrain. This geological feature houses more than half a dozen natural tanks, with Hidden and Deep tanks containing thousands of gallons of water.
The area’s nearly vertical canyon walls create deep drainage channels that come alive with cascading water during desert storms. Additionally, Rodham Mountain Wilderness is one of only seven core breeding areas for raptors in the California Desert, supporting thriving populations of golden eagles and prairie falcons.
Note that this area gets extremely hot in the summer, so we recommend exploring in the cooler months.
Destination Details
Season | Year-round, best visited in cooler months (spring and fall) |
Location | Rodham Mountain Wilderness, Southern California |
General GPS Coordinates | 34.7143833, -116.5865 |
Management | U.S. Forest Service |
Size | 34,264 acres |
Nearest Major City | Palm Springs |
Info Number | 760-252-6000 |
Getting to Rodman Mountain Wilderness
From Barstow, start by taking East Mountain View Street to Barstow Road and turn left. Continue along Barstow Road for approximately 27.5 miles before following Northside Road and Camp Rock Road towards Canyon Route.
After traveling about 26 miles, turn left onto Northside Road for 6.9 miles, then make another left onto Camp Rock Road and proceed for 11.3 miles. Stay on Camp Rock Road with a slight right for an additional 2 miles before continuing onto Canyon Route.
Finally, make a slight left to remain on Canyon Route, which will lead you directly to the Rodham Mountain Wilderness trailhead. Ensure you are prepared for remote driving conditions and have a reliable map, as cell service in this area is limited.
Destination Overview

Nestled in the heart of the California Desert, Rodman Mountains Wilderness is a stunning landscape where vibrant escarpments meet pristine white peaks adorned with striking red and black hues. This captivating region is a tapestry of diverse geological features, including intricate canyons, majestic bajadas, and expansive mesas sculpted by ancient lava flows.
Geological Marvels
A prominent large lava flow stretches from the northwest to the southeast, creating a long mesa that elegantly divides the wilderness into two distinct sections. Within this volcanic expanse lie over half a dozen natural tanks, with Hidden and Deep Tanks standing out as serene reservoirs containing thousands of gallons of water. These natural water sources not only add to the wilderness’s beauty but also support the local ecosystem.
Dramatic Canyons and Box Canyon
Rodman Mountains Wilderness is renowned for its dramatic canyons, featuring nearly vertical walls that form deep drainage channels. During desert storms, these channels transform into cascading waterfalls, offering a spectacular sight against the arid backdrop. The landscape is further shaped by geological faults that create a series of valleys and ridges, enhancing the area’s rugged beauty.
A notable feature is the seven-mile-long Box Canyon, a non-Wilderness corridor that cuts through the eastern portion of the Rodman Mountains. This natural passageway, a destination for among off-road enthusiasts that is sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of the Rodmans”, separates a small, far-eastern section from the main wilderness area, providing a unique vantage point for exploring the region’s diverse terrains.
A Sanctuary for Raptors
Rodman Mountains Wilderness is one of only seven core breeding areas for raptors in the California Desert, making it a vital sanctuary for these magnificent birds. Golden eagles soar majestically above the canyons, while prairie falcons patrol the skies with grace and agility. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to observe these raptors in their natural habitat.
Wildlife and Surrounding Areas
While bighorn sheep have yet to make their presence known within the Rodman Mountains, nearby Newberry Mountains Wilderness to the west offers sightings of these impressive creatures. The proximity of these wilderness areas creates a rich mosaic of habitats, supporting a diverse array of wildlife and providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.