Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness
Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness (map of the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness) in 1994 and it now has a total of See Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness breakdown of 21,390 acres.
All of this Wilderness is located in California and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
From the desert floor, the Fish Creek Mountains appear as a plateau rising like a great wall, with only a few dramatic peaks visible from a distance. In reality, the mountains are a rugged landscape of jagged ridges and peaks that rise above twisting canyons and secluded valleys—a pristine desert mountainland ideal for a Wilderness adventure.
The steep slopes often feature limestone outcroppings that have resisted erosion. As a result, rainstorms have carved narrow chutes that swirl with runoff. At the base of these chutes, where sunlight is limited and evaporation reduced, pools form and provide vital water sources for wildlife.
A remnant of the ancient shoreline of Lake Cahuilla, which receded more than 500 years ago, is still visible within the Wilderness. Just to the south and west lies Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Leave No Trace
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 in the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness.
- 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
For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.