Golden Valley Wilderness

The Lava Mountains span the northwestern portion of Golden Valley Wilderness, cresting to almost 5,000 feet on Dome Mountain. The Lavas are sliced by several steep-walled canyons arrayed in distinctive bands of multicolored sedimentary rocks. The Almond Mountains reach across the southeastern portion of the area, rising to about 4,500 feet on the broad summit of Almond Mountain. Between these two ranges lies the Golden Valley, a secluded desertland known for its spectacular spring wildflower displays. The arid, rugged terrain of its protective ranges have helped save this valley from human intrusion. The area provides nesting and foraging habitat for raptors and a home for desert tortoises and Mojave ground squirrels. In addition to the numerous flowering annuals, a creosote bush scrub community (creosote bush, cactus, burroweed, brittlebush) dominates the vegetation, and Joshua trees punctuate the mountainsides.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website..

• 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

Rules and 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.