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The Avi Kwa Ame national monument is known by several differnt names and is condidered a sacred site by ten Yuman speaking tribes as well as the Hopi and Southern Paiute. Stretching from the Newberry mountains in the east to the New York, South McCullough, Castle, and Piute mountains in the west, these lands feature dramatic peaks, scenic canyons, natural springs, sloping bajadas covered with ancient Joshua tree forests, unique grasslands, and a rich history of rock art and other cultural sites. This newly desginated national monument is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and Friends of Avi Kwa Ame to help esure the protection of the cultural, ecological historical and recreaiton resources.
The monument encompases four wilderness areas. Wee Thump Joshua Tree wilderness was the first unprotected tract of public lands to be designated wildreness in Nevada. This wilderness are is home to some of the oldest and largest joshua trees on the planet, growing just 1/2 inch per year and living to be 900 years old. The best way to experience these "ancient ones" is by taking a three mile joshua tree trail which follows an old wagon road previously used by mining operations in the surrouning area.
Contained largely within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Ireteba Peaks Wilderness is managed jointly by the BLM and the National Park Service. Ireteba Peak rises to 5,060 feet above sea level, offering a stunning view across the wilderness and Lake Mohave.Pinyon and juniper trees dot the higher elevation areas where bighorn sheep roam. Petroglyphs and pictographs can be found, as well as old mines. Beyond the shore of Lake Mohave, water is scarce in this wilderness area, and summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The Ireteba Peaks Wilderness provides a stunning stage for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Wildlife is abundant, with bighorn sheep in the mountains and migrating birds near the river. Hunting is allowed with proper licensing; however, target practice is prohibited. Visitors are reminded to not disturb archaeological resources and stay out of open mine shafts.
The vast South McCullough Wilderness covers 44,245 acres, including the southern part of the McCullough Range, which takes center stage through the wilderness. Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, antelope ground squirrels, desert woodrats, jackrabbits, desert tortoise, a variety of lizards and snakes, Gambel’s quail, chukar, red-tailed hawks, northern flickers, and a variety of sparrows may be glimpsed in this wilderness. Infrequent visitor use and the need for route finding skills provide great opportunities for solitude and recreation including hiking, horseback riding, hunting, exploring, and camping.
The Spirit Mountain Wilderness is a wild and rugged place of granite boulders and steep canyons in the Newberry Mountains along the western shore of Lake Mohave. Covering 33,518 acres, the Spirit Mountain Wilderness is partly contained by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. Sacred to tribes of the lower Colorado River as a spiritual birthplace, the Spirit Mountain Wilderness is home to a number of archaeological resources. Christmas tree pass scenic loop offers stunning and up close views of the Spirit Mountains and envelops you in forests of juniper and pinyons.
Motorized vehicles, mechanized equipment, and mechanical transport are not permitted in designated wilderness.
For equestrian specific information visit Nevada Horse Trails: Castle Mountains Grasslands Trail & Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness ,
For more reccomended hikes and scenic drives, check out Friends of Avi Kwa Ame.
This area is very remote desert with little ammenities and lack of cell service. Recreate responsibly by informing other of your plans, packing extra food and water, brining a apaper and digital map and equiping your vehicle with a spare tire and necessary maitnence tools.
This region is culturally and ecologically sensitive, please recreate on existing routes and follow TreadLightly! priciples. Visit the recreate responsibly tab for more information on protecting cultural, ecological and historic sites in Nevada.
Learn more about Avi Kwa Ame by participating in a communtiy event.
Take a step back in time and join a tour of the Walking Box Ranch.
For more information visit Friends of Avi Kwa Ame or contact:
Download map files for your own use.
Park at existing pull outs and trailheads only to protect natrual resources.
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