Horse Thief Camp, Horsethief Spring and Amethyst Trail are all located within
the Tecopa Pass Historic Trails Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). The
area was originally named by surveyors in honor of the legendary Chief Walkara
(a.k.a. Chief Walker), a member of a Ute Tribe. Walkara was a skilled hunter
and horseman. He was nomadic and traveled over great distance, from Utah to
California, often utilizing the nearby Old Spanish Trail. Able to speak
numerous languages, he was well respected by whomever meant him. He proved to
be a very skilled negotiator and helped negotiate peace between Utah settlers
and Native Americans in 1853. However, he is most remembered for the hundreds
of horses and mules his band captures from the Spanish Ranches in the Cajon
Pass area of Southern California. His band of warriors escaped from California
traveling across the Mojave Desert, it is believed he hid out near the Springs
in the Kingston Mountains before pushing the horses east for sale to travelers
on the Old Spanish Trail, settlers in Utah and the military. It is believed
that he traded regularly with such people as Pegleg Smith and Brigham Young
and that his scouts shared the water route through the Kingston Wash with the
U.S. military. This campground is a first-come first-served area, with three
single and one double campsite. Tables and fire grates are provided at each
campsite. A vault toilet is located in the center of the campground. There is
no fire wood or potable water available. Bring a sufficient supply of each for
your use.

<p>Horse Thief Camp, Horsethief Spring and Amethyst Trail are all located within the Tecopa Pass Historic Trails Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). The area was originally named by surveyors in honor of the legendary Chief Walkara (a.k.a. Chief Walker), a member of a Ute Tribe. Walkara was a skilled hunter and horseman. He was nomadic and traveled over great distance, from Utah to California, often utilizing the nearby Old Spanish Trail. Able to speak numerous languages, he was well respected by whomever meant him. He proved to be a very skilled negotiator and helped negotiate peace between Utah settlers and Native Americans in 1853. However, he is most remembered for the hundreds of horses and mules his band captures from the Spanish Ranches in the Cajon Pass area of Southern California. His band of warriors escaped from California traveling across the Mojave Desert, it is believed he hid out near the Springs in the Kingston Mountains before pushing the horses east for sale to travelers on the Old Spanish Trail, settlers in Utah and the military. It is believed that he traded regularly with such people as Pegleg Smith and Brigham Young and that his scouts shared the water route through the Kingston Wash with the U.S. military. This campground is a first-come first-served area, with three single and one double campsite. Tables and fire grates are provided at each campsite. A vault toilet is located in the center of the campground. There is no fire wood or potable water available. Bring a sufficient supply of each for your use.</p>

Bird's eye view of the park

Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA

Horsethief Springs offers excellent bird and wildlife viewing. This perennial
spring provides life giving water for resident wildlife and migrating birds
alike. Wildlife viewing is best during early morning and evening hours. Birds
tend to gather in thick vegetation, along washes and springs, where vegetation
provides critical food and shelter. It is prohibited to camp or occupy this
area for more than 30 minutes.

Horsethief Springs offers excellent bird and wildlife viewing.  This perennial spring provides life giving water for resident wildlife and migrating birds alike.  Wildlife viewing is best during early morning and evening hours.  Birds tend to gather in thick vegetation, along washes and springs, where vegetation provides critical food and shelter.  It is prohibited to camp or occupy this area for more than 30 minutes.

Horsethief Springs/Cabin

## Overview

The Pahrump Valley in the north, the Mesquite Valley in the southeast, and the
California Valley in the west join forces in this desolate, seldom-visited
Wilderness. Alluvial slopes in all three valleys ascend gradually southward
into the northern Kingston Range, which also lies within the Wilderness.

In the mountains, you'll find a rugged piece of earth with many canyons,
winding washes, and bajadas. Elevations range from 2,720 feet on a valley
floor to 4,569 feet on a mountain summit. The three dry valleys are dotted
with desert shrubs and yucca. Wild burros are protected here, and you'll
probably see a few of them, along with desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises,
and golden eagles.

An old four-wheel-drive track crosses the area from northwest to southeast,
and a long waterless way it is. The northeastern border is the Nevada state
line.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

##  Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more
information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No
Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website..

  * Plan Ahead and Prepare
  * Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  * Dispose of Waste Properly
  * Leave What You Find
  * Minimize Campfire Impacts
  * Respect Wildlife
  * Be Considerate of Other Visitors

## Rules and Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

<h2>Overview</h2><p> 

The Pahrump Valley in the north, the Mesquite Valley in the southeast, and the California Valley in the west join forces in this desolate, seldom-visited Wilderness. Alluvial slopes in all three valleys ascend gradually southward into the northern Kingston Range, which also lies within the Wilderness.   

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/49279273986/in/album-72157712374852802/" title="Pahrump Valley Wilderness" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49279273986_d825ed09a4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Pahrump Valley Wilderness"></a> 
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/49279490967/in/album-72157712374852802/" title="Pahrump Valley Wilderness" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49279490967_c0cdcd3a15.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Pahrump Valley Wilderness"></a> 
<p> 

In the mountains, you'll find a rugged piece of earth with many canyons, winding washes, and bajadas. Elevations range from 2,720 feet on a valley floor to 4,569 feet on a mountain summit. The three dry valleys are dotted with desert shrubs and yucca. Wild burros are protected here, and you'll probably see a few of them, along with desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and golden eagles.   

<p> 

An old four-wheel-drive track crosses the area from northwest to southeast, and a long waterless way it is. The northeastern border is the Nevada state line.  
<p> 

For more information about this wilderness, please visit <a href="https://wilderness.net" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>. 

<p>  

<h2> Leave No Trace </h2><p>  

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, <a href="https://lnt.org/" rel="nofollow">Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.</a>.<p>  

<ul><li>Plan Ahead and Prepare</li>  

<li>Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</li>  

<li>Dispose of Waste Properly</li>  

<li>Leave What You Find</li>  

<li>Minimize Campfire Impacts</li>  

<li>Respect Wildlife</li>  

<li>Be Considerate of Other Visitors</li></ul><p>  

<p>  

<h2>Rules and Regulations</h2><p>  

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Pahrump Valley Wilderness

## Overview

The Kingston Range Wilderness is divided into three units by non-wilderness
corridors or 'cherrystems': Sperry Wash and Kingston Wash. The Amargosa Unit's
(the northern unit) most striking feature is Amargosa Canyon, which contains a
perennial stream. This perennial surface flow supports wetland habitats
offering food, cover, and nesting opportunities for a wide variety of bird
life. Those habitats also sustain fish, mammals, insects, and mollusks having
low population numbers and/or very limited distributions.

The Kingston Unit (center unit) covers seventeen miles of continuous ridgeline
above 6,000 feet known as the Kingston Range. Elevations reach 7,323 at the
top of Kingston Peak.

The Shadow Mountain Unit (southern unit) covers much of the Shadow Mountains,
a large series of low-lying rounded peaks with gently meandering interior
canyons and numerous erosion channels.

The wilderness is botanically one of the most diverse areas within the
California Desert. Botanists have identified 505 native plant species and 32
are viewed as endangered, rare, or limited in distribution. Cresote bush scrub
vegetation is found at lower elevations and juniper-pinyon woodland at higher
elevations. The only stand of giant Nolina in the eastern Mojave Desert is
found in Kingston Range, and a relic stand of white fir trees clings (one of
only three stands found in the California Desert) to the slopes of two
drainages just below Kingston Peak. Also located in the wilderness is a
portion of the Shadow Valley-Cima Dome Joshua tree forest (one of the densest
concentrations in the world).

The vegetation and perennial water support a variety of wildlife species which
do not occur in nearby drier habitats. Bird densities are many times higher
and contain higher species diversity. The Kingston Mountains are one of the
four localities in California in which confirmed sightings of the banded gila
monster have been made.

Other wildlife species include bighorn sheep, wild burros, coyote, black-
tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, roadrunners, quail,
rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and several species of lizards. The southeastern
portion of the wilderness provides critical habitat for the threatened desert
tortoise.

The wilderness area is an ecological transition zone between the Great Basin
and Mojave Desert with numerous species of flora and fauna reaching their
northern and southern most distribution limits.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

##  Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more
information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No
Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website..

  * Plan Ahead and Prepare
  * Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  * Dispose of Waste Properly
  * Leave What You Find
  * Minimize Campfire Impacts
  * Respect Wildlife
  * Be Considerate of Other Visitors

## Rules and Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

<h2>Overview</h2> 

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/21471954508/in/photolist-2i5DC6k-2i5BdJG-2i5DGXj-2i5DahW-2i5DmJ3-2i5Eec8-2i5DdAe-2i5AL3a-2i5Efym-2i5AR4n-2i5EgMZ-2i5DmLC-2i5ARrS-2i5EmaX-2i5DhT7-2i5DCwq-2i5AXi6-2i5DjHj-2i5DjvW-2i5DzP6-2i5Dzfq-2i5EByx-q6iXjC-q8p7zD-KL1gNy-yHpo1d-pa93rk-WJWZU9-E7hz95-EfpwYL" title="Kingston Range" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/692/21471954508_1166b0071f_c.jpg" width="800" height="368" alt="Kingston Range"></a>

 <p>
 

The Kingston Range Wilderness is divided into three units by non-wilderness corridors or 'cherrystems': Sperry Wash and Kingston Wash. The Amargosa Unit's (the northern unit) most striking feature is Amargosa Canyon, which contains a perennial stream. This perennial surface flow supports wetland habitats offering food, cover, and nesting opportunities for a wide variety of bird life. Those habitats also sustain fish, mammals, insects, and mollusks having low population numbers and/or very limited distributions. 

<p> 

The Kingston Unit (center unit) covers seventeen miles of continuous ridgeline above 6,000 feet known as the Kingston Range. Elevations reach 7,323 at the top of Kingston Peak.  

<p> 

The Shadow Mountain Unit (southern unit) covers much of the Shadow Mountains, a large series of low-lying rounded peaks with gently meandering interior canyons and numerous erosion channels.  

<p> 

The wilderness is botanically one of the most diverse areas within the California Desert. Botanists have identified 505 native plant species and 32 are viewed as endangered, rare, or limited in distribution. Cresote bush scrub vegetation is found at lower elevations and juniper-pinyon woodland at higher elevations. The only stand of giant Nolina in the eastern Mojave Desert is found in Kingston Range, and a relic stand of white fir trees clings (one of only three stands found in the California Desert) to the slopes of two drainages just below Kingston Peak. Also located in the wilderness is a portion of the Shadow Valley-Cima Dome Joshua tree forest (one of the densest concentrations in the world).  

<p> 

The vegetation and perennial water support a variety of wildlife species which do not occur in nearby drier habitats. Bird densities are many times higher and contain higher species diversity. The Kingston Mountains are one of the four localities in California in which confirmed sightings of the banded gila monster have been made.  

<p> 

Other wildlife species include bighorn sheep, wild burros, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, roadrunners, quail, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and several species of lizards. The southeastern portion of the wilderness provides critical habitat for the threatened desert tortoise.  

<p> 

The wilderness area is an ecological transition zone between the Great Basin and Mojave Desert with numerous species of flora and fauna reaching their northern and southern most distribution limits. 

 

 

 

 

 

<p> 

For more information about this wilderness, please visit <a href="https://wilderness.net" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>. 

<p>  

<h2> Leave No Trace </h2><p>  

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, <a href="https://lnt.org/" rel="nofollow">Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.</a>.<p>  

<ul><li>Plan Ahead and Prepare</li>  

<li>Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</li>  

<li>Dispose of Waste Properly</li>  

<li>Leave What You Find</li>  

<li>Minimize Campfire Impacts</li>  

<li>Respect Wildlife</li>  

<li>Be Considerate of Other Visitors</li></ul><p>  

<p>  

<h2>Rules and Regulations</h2><p>  

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Kingston Range Wilderness

The North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness consists of the broad western end of
Sandy Valley and the northern portion of Mesquite Mountains. Rolling brown
foothills, a few steeper mountains, and medium sized buttes comprise the
reddish-brown geologic features in the wilderness. Dominant vegetation
includes creosote brush scrub, blackbush, Joshua tree woodland, yucca, cacti,
and some grasses. Wildlife is also typical for the Mojave Desert. Due to the
lack of naturalwaters, bighorn sheep do not inhabit the area on a permanent
basis but do transverse the area. The southern tip of the wilderness provides
critical habitat for the desert tortoise. The wilderness is located in the
northeastern portion of the sector and consists of 28,955 acres.

The North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness consists of the broad western end of Sandy Valley and the northern portion of Mesquite Mountains.  Rolling brown foothills, a few steeper mountains, and medium sized buttes comprise the reddish-brown geologic features in the wilderness.  Dominant vegetation includes creosote brush scrub, blackbush, Joshua tree woodland, yucca, cacti, and some grasses.  Wildlife is also typical for the Mojave Desert.  Due to the lack of naturalwaters, bighorn sheep do not inhabit the area on a permanent basis but do transverse the area.  The southern tip of the wilderness provides critical habitat for the desert tortoise.  The wilderness is located in the northeastern portion of the sector and consists of 28,955 acres.

North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness

The Mesquite Wilderness consists of portions of the Mesquite Mountains,
Mesquite Valley, and the Clark Mountain Range. Numerous small caves are found
in the porous rock of the Clark Mountains. Dominant vegetation ranges from the
creosote brush sage association on the bajadas to blackbrush, Joshua trees,
and pinyon-juniper at the higher elevations. Barrel cactus gardens are also
found in some locations. Wildlife is typical for the Mojave Desert. The
southwestern corner of the wilderness provides critical habitat for the desert
tortoise. The wilderness is in the eastern portion of the sector and consists
of 44,805 acres.

The Mesquite Wilderness consists of portions of the Mesquite Mountains, Mesquite Valley, and the Clark Mountain Range.  Numerous small caves are found in the porous rock of the Clark Mountains.  Dominant vegetation ranges from the creosote brush sage association on the bajadas to blackbrush, Joshua trees, and pinyon-juniper at the higher elevations.  Barrel cactus gardens are also found in some locations.  Wildlife is typical for the Mojave Desert.  The southwestern corner of the wilderness provides critical habitat for the desert tortoise.  The wilderness is in the eastern portion of the sector and consists of 44,805 acres.

Mesquite Wilderness

## Overview

Easily rolling alluvial slopes (bajadas) from the east and west sweep gently
up to the south end of the rugged folds of the Nopah Mountain Range in the
South Nopah Range Wilderness.

Shaded with soft colors, the Nopah Range is composed of sedimentary rocks
capped at about 4,200 feet. The California Valley extends into the eastern
Wilderness. Desert bighorn sheep may be seen here, especially in the northern
portion, along with wild horses and wild burros. A few prairie falcons have
been spotted hunting over the low desert regions.

Vegetation is sparse but the environment is known to support the ivory-spined
agave plant. You should see evidence of old mining activity in the southern
portion. You won't find any trails or much water to drink. Just across the Old
Spanish Trail on the north end lies Nopah Range Wilderness.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

##  Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more
information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No
Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

  * Plan Ahead and Prepare
  * Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  * Dispose of Waste Properly
  * Leave What You Find
  * Minimize Campfire Impacts
  * Respect Wildlife
  * Be Considerate of Other Visitors

## Rules and Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

<h2>Overview</h2><p> 

Easily rolling alluvial slopes (bajadas) from the east and west sweep gently up to the south end of the rugged folds of the Nopah Mountain Range in the South Nopah Range Wilderness.   

<p> 

Shaded with soft colors, the Nopah Range is composed of sedimentary rocks capped at about 4,200 feet. The California Valley extends into the eastern Wilderness. Desert bighorn sheep may be seen here, especially in the northern portion, along with wild horses and wild burros. A few prairie falcons have been spotted hunting over the low desert regions.   

<p> 

Vegetation is sparse but the environment is known to support the ivory-spined agave plant. You should see evidence of old mining activity in the southern portion. You won't find any trails or much water to drink. Just across the Old Spanish Trail on the north end lies Nopah Range Wilderness.  


<p> 

For more information about this wilderness, please visit <a href="https://wilderness.net" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>. 

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/49279380496/in/album-72157712375088352/" title="South Nopah Wilderness" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49279380496_8dd1295b41.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="South Nopah Wilderness"></a> 
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmcalifornia/49279356471/in/album-72157712375088352/" title="South Nopah Wilderness" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49279356471_b6657150c7.jpg" width="500" height="331" alt="South Nopah Wilderness"></a> 

<h2> Leave No Trace </h2><p>  

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, <a href="https://lnt.org/" rel="nofollow">Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.</a><p>  

<ul><li>Plan Ahead and Prepare</li>  

<li>Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</li>  

<li>Dispose of Waste Properly</li>  

<li>Leave What You Find</li>  

<li>Minimize Campfire Impacts</li>  

<li>Respect Wildlife</li>  

<li>Be Considerate of Other Visitors</li></ul><p>  

<p>  

<h2>Rules and Regulations</h2><p>  

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Horse Thief Camp - Kingston Mountains, CA

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Horsethief Springs/Cabin

Pahrump Valley Wilderness

Kingston Range Wilderness

North Mesquite Mountains Wilderness

Mesquite Wilderness

South Nopah Range Wilderness