The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak.
Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient
vocano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle. Mopah Peak is considered
one of the most difficult climbs in the desert. The southwest approach is
probably the best for climbing. The view from the peak is said to be among the
most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert. The route to this peak is
regarded as a fun desert climb. The panarama from the summit includes the
Colorado and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to
teh west, and the 27-ft higher summit of the Umpah Peak to the south. To climb
Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up. Keep
your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak.  Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient vocano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle.  Mopah Peak is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the desert.  The southwest approach is probably the best for climbing.  The view from the peak is said to be among the most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert.  The route to this peak is regarded as a fun desert climb.  The panarama from the summit includes the Colorado and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to teh west, and the 27-ft higher summit of the Umpah Peak to the south.  To climb Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up.  Keep your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

Bird's eye view of the park

Mopah Peak Hiking Trail

Castle Rock's is accessible from California Highway 62, near the railroad
crossing west of Vital Junction. The trail and Castle Rock itself are both
located within the Turtle Mountain Wilderness area. The hike is not very
strenuous, and is approximately 8 miles round trip.

Castle Rock's is accessible from California Highway 62, near the railroad crossing west of Vital Junction.  The trail and Castle Rock itself are both located within the Turtle Mountain Wilderness area.  The hike is not very strenuous, and is approximately 8 miles round trip.

Castle Rock Hiking Trail

The Turtle Mountains Wilderness area ranges from broad bajadas to highly
eroded volcanic peaks, spires, and cliffs. The Mopah Range contains the two
signature Mopah Peaks, which are rhyodactic or volcanic plugs. The northern
most peak is a landmark known as Mexican Hat. The area has numerous springs
and seeps. Much of the Turtle Mountain range has been designated as a National
Natural Landmark in recognition of its exceptional natural values.

Dominate vegetation consists of the creosote bush-bur sage and the palo verde-
cactus shrub ecosystems. In the washes, Colorado/Sonoran microphylla woodlands
can be found. These woodlands include such things as palo verde, smoke tree,
honey mesquite, and catclaw. Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, coyote,
black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners,
golden eagles, prairie falcons, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards.
The desert tortoise is found within the wilderness area, and northwestern and
northeastern portions of the wilderness area are considered critical habitat.
The wilderness is located in the southern portion of the sector and consists
of 177,209 acres. OHV activity is common along the boundaries of wilderness.

The Turtle Mountains Wilderness area ranges from broad bajadas to highly eroded volcanic peaks, spires, and cliffs. The Mopah Range contains the two signature Mopah Peaks, which are rhyodactic or volcanic plugs. The northern most peak is a landmark known as Mexican Hat. The area has numerous springs and seeps. Much of the Turtle Mountain range has been designated as a National Natural Landmark in recognition of its exceptional natural values. 
 
Dominate vegetation consists of the creosote bush-bur sage and the palo verde-cactus shrub ecosystems. In the washes, Colorado/Sonoran microphylla woodlands can be found. These woodlands include such things as palo verde, smoke tree, honey mesquite, and catclaw. Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, golden eagles, prairie falcons, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards. The desert tortoise is found within the wilderness area, and northwestern and northeastern portions of the wilderness area are considered critical habitat. The wilderness is located in the southern portion of the sector and consists of 177,209 acres. OHV activity is common along the boundaries of wilderness.

Turtle Mountains Wilderness

The large wash north of U.S. Highway 62 just 2 miles east of Vidal Junction is
an excellent site for collecting chalcedony, which can be found from Highway
95 extending east approximately 1 mile. The best method of working a site is
to park safely off the pavement and walk east through the wash. The bright
white chalcedony is easy to spot against the darker soil.

The large wash north of U.S. Highway 62 just 2 miles east of Vidal Junction is an excellent site for collecting chalcedony, which can be found from Highway 95 extending east approximately 1 mile.  The best method of working a site is to park safely off the pavement and walk east through the wash.  The bright white chalcedony is easy to spot against the darker soil.

Savahia Peak Rock Collecting Area

Within the Turtle Mountains Wilderness is located the Turtle Mountain National
Natural Landmark an area of land recognized for its exceptional geological
value and an area held in high spiritual value by the Native American Tribes
of the Southwest. Mexican Hat Trail is a small portion of a greater trail
which once linked centuries of travelers to the Colorado River. If the hike to
the top of the trail doesn't appeal to you, an ADA compliant ramada and picnic
table are available for day use and camping at the Lisa Dawn or Brown's Cabin
developed campsites. Photographers love this area. In the spring cacti floral
displays are bountiful within the surrounding area. History buffs practice
black and white imagining, and if patience, wildlife will present the public
with many photo opportunities

Within the Turtle Mountains Wilderness is located the Turtle Mountain National Natural Landmark an area of land recognized for its exceptional geological value and an area held in high spiritual value by the Native American Tribes of the Southwest. Mexican Hat Trail is a small portion of a greater trail which once linked centuries of travelers to the Colorado River. If the hike to the top of the trail doesn't appeal to you, an ADA compliant ramada and picnic table are available for day use and camping at the Lisa Dawn or Brown's Cabin developed campsites.  Photographers love this area. In the spring cacti floral displays are bountiful within the surrounding area. History buffs practice black and white imagining, and if patience, wildlife will present the public with many photo opportunities

Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp

Archeological resources such as petroglyphs and rock rings are located in this
area. These resources are considered sacred by the Native American Tribes
along the Colorado River. A wildlife watering guzzler is also located at the
site and is kept active by a water pump leading from the well. This site is
located on the west end of the Chemehuevi Wash and receives visitation by OHV
riders.

Archeological resources such as petroglyphs and rock rings are located in this area.  These resources are considered sacred by the Native American Tribes along the Colorado River.  A wildlife watering guzzler is also located at the site and is kept active by a water pump leading from the well.  This site is located on the west end of the Chemehuevi Wash and receives visitation by OHV riders.

West Well

The Stepladder Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 83,204 acres and
is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the
state of California. In 1994 the Stepladder Mountains Wilderness became part
of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In
wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing
population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use
Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique
natural and experiential qualities.

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.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  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

**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.

**Contact Information:**

> BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEEDLES FIELD OFFICE  
> 1303 South Hwy 95  
> Needles, CA 92363  
> Phone: (760) 326-7000  
> Email: ca690@ca.blm.gov

The Stepladder Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 83,204 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Stepladder Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.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.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>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.Contact Information:<blockquote>BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEEDLES FIELD OFFICE 1303 South Hwy 95 Needles, CA 92363 Phone: (760) 326-7000 Email: <a href="mailto:"ca690@ca.blm.gov"" rel="nofollow">ca690@ca.blm.gov</a></blockquote>

Stepladder Mountains Wilderness

The large east-west oriented Whipple Mountains comprise the dominant land form
within this wilderness. Whipple Peak is the highest point in the range at an
elevation of 4,131 ft. Landforms are diverse and range from valley floors and
washes to steep-walled canyons, domed peaks, natural bridges, and eroded
spires.

Two major vegetative associations are present within the wilderness area, the
Sonora creosote bush scrub and Sonoran thorn forest. Dominant vegetation is
creosote bush scrub, palo verde, ironwood, smoke tree, and numerous species of
cacti including cholla, saguaro, foxtail, and prickly pear.

Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild burros, coyote, black-
tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, owls,
the threatened desert tortoise, and several species of rattlesnakes and
lizards. The Whipple Mountains provide superior nesting and foraging habitat
for a number of raptors; including prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed
hawks, and Cooper's hawks. The wilderness is located in the south eastern
corner of the sector and consists of 77,520 acres. It is cooperatively managed
with the Havasu Field Office.

The large east-west oriented Whipple Mountains comprise the dominant land form within this wilderness. Whipple Peak is the highest point in the range at an elevation of 4,131 ft. Landforms are diverse and range from valley floors and washes to steep-walled canyons, domed peaks, natural bridges, and eroded spires. 
 
Two major vegetative associations are present within the wilderness area, the Sonora creosote bush scrub and Sonoran thorn forest. Dominant vegetation is creosote bush scrub, palo verde, ironwood, smoke tree, and numerous species of cacti including cholla, saguaro, foxtail, and prickly pear. 
 
Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild burros, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, owls, the threatened desert tortoise, and several species of rattlesnakes and lizards. The Whipple Mountains provide superior nesting and foraging habitat for a number of raptors; including prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and Cooper's hawks. The wilderness is located in the south eastern corner of the sector and consists of 77,520 acres. It is cooperatively managed with the Havasu Field Office.

Whipple Mountains Wilderness

Snaggletooth Primitive Camp sits on the southwest corner of the Chemehuevi
Mountains and serves as the staging area for backpackers. Due to its location
just off of U.S. Highway 95, and in close proximity to the town of Needles, it
is a popular spot for seasonal visitors looking for a place to stop for the
night. However, due to the surrounding scenic qualities and the openness of
the area, many visitors who may have only intended to stop for just one night
find themselves staying for a week.

Snaggletooth Primitive Camp sits on the southwest corner of the Chemehuevi Mountains and serves as the staging area for backpackers.  Due to its location just off of U.S. Highway 95, and  in close proximity to the town of Needles, it is a popular spot for seasonal visitors looking for a place to stop for the night.  However, due to the surrounding scenic qualities and the openness of the area, many visitors who may have only intended to stop for just one night find themselves staying for a week.

Mopah Peak Hiking Trail

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