Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Black Mountain Wilderness (map) in 1994 and it now has a total of 20,548 acres. All of this wilderness is located in California and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Description

Black Mountain stands at 3,941 feet, a mesa rising above an expanse of desolate, ancient lava flows. The mountain lies in the northwest corner of the Wilderness, and from the summit, the area drops in elevation to 2,080 feet. You'll find a deposit of fine-grained sand in the southeast corner, and not much else other than an occasional golden eagle or prairie falcon circling in search of food.

There are no trails, but a spring exists near Opal Mountain. A significant amount of privately owned acreage exists within the area that should not be used without permission.

Planning to Visit the Black Mountain Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Bureau of Land Management
  • Barstow Field Office

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Black Mountain Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.