Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness

Fish Creek Mountains form a natural plateau with jagged ridges, peaks, winding canyons, and small valleys across protected desert land. The terrain is made mainly of limestone and shows the rough texture of ancient rocky mountains.

The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 established protection for this area and placed it within the national wilderness system. Management by the Bureau of Land Management ensures the land remains undeveloped for the future.

The limestone formations and remaining shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla show how this desert landscape transformed over time. The old lake edge is still visible in the rock layers, telling the story of a very different past.

Access is from California State Highway 78, then south on Split Mountain Road toward Gypsum Mine Rail Road. Visitors should bring plenty of water and be ready for rough trails and minimal shade.

Natural water tanks formed by erosion in limestone channels hold water year-round and offer wildlife critical survival points. These hidden water sources shaped where animals live and move through the wilderness.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 32.97444,-116.01278

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04