Rodman Mountains Wilderness

Size: 29,793 acres.

Location: San Bernardino County; 30 miles southeast of Barstow, California (Note: Boundary setbacks from roads or trails are 30 to 300 feet)

Area Description :  A series of ridges and valleys climbing from 2,000 feet to almost 5,000 feet are the result of faults which cross this wilderness. A lava flow slices this area in two from northwest to southeast, forming a sloping mesa. Colorful escarpments, calico-colored mountains, maze-like canyons and broad, majestic bajadas come together here. Steep canyons and cliff-like walls form dry falls along deep drainage channels, creating cascades during heavy rain storms. More than a half dozen natural water "tanks" sit within the lava flow. Two of the tanks, Hidden Tank and Deep Tank, hold thousands of gallons of water. One of only seven core raptor breeding areas in the desert is within this wilderness, where prairie falcons and golden eagles are known to survive. The mountains themselves are part of the historic range of the desert bighorn sheep. While sheep have not been spotted here, this wildlife species has been seen in the nearby Newberry Mountains.

Getting There : Access to this wilderness is by Camp Rock Road, from either Interstate 40 or State Highway 247.

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.

Maps:

• Desert Access Guide:
  • Johnson Valley - #11
     
• USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Maps:
  • Camp Rock Mine
  • Newberry Springs
  • Silver Bell Mine
  • Troy Lake 

Contact:

Barstow Field Office

Go to BLM Wilderness List