Can you reserve a site at Avawatz Mountains WSA?

No. Avawatz Mountains WSA is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Avawatz Mountains WSA — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

Nine natural springs supply water to desert animals like bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, and roadrunners. California biologists have identified the area as an important link for regional habitat connectivity, enabling wildlife to move across a larger landscape throughout the desert.

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.

Getting there

On the southeastern border of Death Valley National Park, 10 miles northwest of Baker. From I-15, exit at Kelbaker Road/CA-127. Go north from Baker approximately 10 miles and turn left on Harry Wade Road.

35.50694, -116.28472 · 35°30'25.0"N 116°17'5.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Official map for this area

Typical weather

Typically 110°F in Jul, down to 62°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	63	69	77	84	93	104	110	108	101	87	72	62
Low °F	35	40	46	53	62	72	78	76	68	54	42	33
Precip in	0.5	0.9	0.4	0.1	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.4	0.2	0.3	0.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 20.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Avawatz Mountains WSA

Can you reserve a site at Avawatz Mountains WSA?: No. Avawatz Mountains WSA is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Avawatz Mountains WSA

Mid Hills Campground 54.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground 59.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Black Canyon Group and Equestrian Campground 59.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Soda Mountains WSA 20.3 mi · Facility
Amargosa Canyon 20.9 mi · Facility
Kelso Depot Visitor Center 49.4 mi · Facility
Rainbow Basin Natural Area 54.6 mi · Facility
Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground 54.6 mi · Campground
Rainbow Basin Natural Area 54.6 mi · Facility
Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center 59.5 mi · Facility
Desert Discovery Center 59.5 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Avawatz Mountains WSA