Avawatz Mountains Wilderness
Rising to more than 6,100 feet above the Silurian Valley, the Avawatz Mountains form a commanding backdrop of colorful eroded slopes, rugged ridges, and steep, narrow canyons. The name "Avawatz" is derived from a Mohave Indian term meaning "red rock." And in fact, members of the Shoshone Nation continue to visit the area for spiritual and cultural purposes, collecting plants and other materials for crafts and medicines. With its diverse geology, the Avawatz Mountains Wilderness is a paradise for cross-country hikers and equestrians willing to brave harsh conditions and carry plenty of water in exchange for solitude and an outstanding backcountry experience.
Description from Wilderness Connect (wilderness.net).
| Designation | Wilderness |
| Managed by | Bureau of Land Management |
| State | California |
| Size | 89,500 acres |
| Designated | 2019, by Congress |
| Center point | 35.54° N, 116.29° W |
| Night sky | Very dark ground, a faint glow at most (Black Marble reading 27) |
Boundary map
Boundary, simplified to about 0.005 degrees
The outline is the agency boundary simplified for display, so small parcels and inholdings may not show. The agency page has the authoritative map.
Weather by month
Large units span more than one climate. The station stands in for the center point, and the outer parts of the boundary can be warmer or colder.
Where to camp
No federal campground is within ten miles of the boundary in the Campsite Atlas index. Camping inside a wilderness is usually allowed away from trails and water, with no facilities; the managing agency page has the permit and group-size rules.
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Reference
Questions people ask
How big is Avawatz Mountains Wilderness?
89,500 acres.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Who manages Avawatz Mountains Wilderness?
The Bureau of Land Management.
Source: Wilderness Connect
What state is Avawatz Mountains Wilderness in?
California.
Source: Wilderness Connect
When was Avawatz Mountains Wilderness designated?
Congress designated it in 2019.
Source: Wilderness Connect
How do I get to Avawatz Mountains Wilderness?
A point inside the boundary is at 35.538° N, 116.294° W. The official page carries directions and the office address.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Sources
- Boundary, name, acreage, designation year, states and description: Wilderness Connect.
- Campgrounds: the Campsite Atlas index of federal campgrounds, matched to this boundary at build time.
- Trailheads and sites: the Forest Service Recreation Opportunities layer, points inside the boundary.
- Night sky: NASA Black Marble (VIIRS, 2016 composite) sampled at zoom 6 around the center point.
- Weather, alerts, air quality, river flow and earthquakes load live in your browser from NWS, AirNow, USGS and iNaturalist when you open the page.