U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
California

Malpais Mesa Wilderness

Map
Legal Description
7.5 Topo Map 1, 2, 3, 4

Size: 32,008 acres. Malpais Mesa

Location: Inyo County; 15 miles northeast of Olancha, California and 10 miles northwest of Darwin, California (Note: Boundary set backs from roads or trails are 30 to 300 feet

Area Description : The landscape of this Wilderness takes on a variety of forms. Situated at the southern end of the Inyo Mountains, rugged valleys, deep canyons, sheer mountain sides and mesas can be found within a short distance of each other. To the east, gently sloping baJadas rise to meet the rugged volcanic lava flow of Malpais Mesa. Vegetation also takes on many forms: creosote, low desert shrubs and grasses on lower elevations; Joshua trees on the eastern slopes at mid elevations; and pinyon pines and juniper on the higher elevations. Wildlife within the wilderness includes mule deer and foraging and nesting habitat for golden eagles.

Getting There : Access to this wilderness is via State Highway 190, east of Olancha, and along the Santa Rosa Flat Road (S 111).

Nonfederal Lands: Private lands may lie within the wilderness area. Please respect the landowner and do not use these lands without permission.

Additional Information :

Signs indicating "Wilderness" and "Closed Road" or "Closed Route" are placed at various intervals.  Vehicles can be parked outside the wilderness boundary; however, the boundary is set back 30 feet from unmaintained dirt roads and 300 feet on paved roads.

Mechanized or motorized vehicles are NOT PERMITTED in a wilderness.

Hunting, fishing, and non-commercial trapping are allowed under state and local laws.

Pet are allowed, but please keep your pets under control at all times.

Horses are permitted, however you may be required to carry feed.

Removal, disturbance, or attempting to remove archaelogical materials is a felony.  Selling, receiving, purchasing, transporting, exchanging or offering to do so is prohibited by law.

CAMPING: Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days.  After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site.

Help BLM preserve California's fragile deserts.  Please park your vehicle or set up camp in previously disturbed sites.

Gathering wood for campfires, when permitted, is limited to dead and down materials.  Do not cut live vegetation.

The BLM encourages all desert recreationists and travelers exploring public lands, not only within southern California but through the west, to use propylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant in their touring and recreation vehicles.  Proven safer, it will have minimal impacts on the wildlife and the environment should a leak occur.

Maps:

  • Desert Access Guide:
    • Darwin Hills
       
  • USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Maps:
    • Centennial Canyon
    • Cerro Gordo Peak
    • Keeler
    • Nelson Range
    • Santa Rosa Flat
    • Talc City Hills

Contact:

Ridgecrest Field Office

California Desert District

[Back]Go to BLM Wilderness List
Please send comments to:
Paul Brink, California Wilderness Coordinator
pbrink@ca.blm.gov