Pilot Knob

Pilot Knob is a volcanic mountain west of Yuma that rises about 876 feet and displays prominent rock quarries on its northern side. The peak consists of dark volcanic rock and shows the typical features of an ancient lava formation.

The formation was documented in 1774 by Juan Bautista de Anza during his regional exploration and recognized as a navigation point. It served riverboat traffic on the Colorado River as a critical landmark throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s.

Juan Bautista de Anza first documented this geographical formation in 1774, naming it Cerro de San Pablo during his exploration of the region.

The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers a campground at the base of the peak. Access is straightforward through Interstate 8, making it easy to reach the site for visitors exploring the region.

From the 1950s through the 1970s, the peak housed broadcasting equipment that transmitted television and radio signals across the region. The remnants of this communications infrastructure can still be spotted by visitors exploring the summit.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 32.73144,-114.74996

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03