Bureau of Land Management
Photo Credit: Randy Kyes
Southern Nevada District Office
4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89103
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo.1.html
Size: 48,019 acres
Elevation Range: 1,800 - 5,387 feet
Designation: Clark County Conservation of Public
Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002
BLM
Muddy Mountains Wilderness
Area Description
Just an hour outside Las Vegas lie the Muddy Mountains, a magnificent
range of rugged limestone cliffs and canyons along the north shore
of Lake Mead. A thrust fault layers limestone over sandstone, with a
“window” eroded through to reveal sandstone underneath at the Bowl
of Fire and Hidden Valley. Contained partially within the Lake Mead
National Recreation Area, the Muddy Mountains Wilderness is jointly
managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park
Service.
About seven miles of designated trail wind through the stunning and
colorful sandstone outcrops of Hidden Valley, the conglomerate cliffs of
Gale Hills, and the limestone slot canyon Anniversary Narrows.
Petroglyphs, rock alignments, and other cultural resources in the area
contribute to the area’s eligibility for the National Register of Historic
Places.
Photo Credit: Randy Kyes
Creosote is abundant, with desert catalpa trees nestled in the washes. Rare plants, including Las Vegas buckwheat and bear
poppy, thrive in the red, gypsum-rich soils found in the lower elevations. Desert tortoise and bighorn sheep roam the wilderness,
and banded Gila monsters can be found near water.
Directions
Hidden Valley may be accessed by driving the Bitter Springs Backcountry Byway approximately
three miles east on the Valley of Fire Highway from Interstate 15. About four miles south of the
Valley of Fire Highway on this rough dirt road, turn right at the sign for Color Rock Quarry. About
three miles further lies the trailhead for Hidden Valley. Four-wheel drive and high clearance
vehicles are recommended as road conditions are rough and variable.
The Bowl of Fire and Anniversary Narrows are accessible from the paved Northshore Road. Callville
Wash Road/Road 94 turns north off Northshore Road at mile marker 16. Four-wheel drive is
recommended. Road 94A turns left off of Callville Wash Road, leading to Anniversary Narrows.
From Callville Wash Road/Road 94, each of three main washes that intersect the Northshore Road
lead to the Bowl of Fire.
Recreation
Motorized vehicles, mechanized equipment, and mechanical transport are
not permitted in designated wilderness.
Photo Credit: Randy Kyes
Maps
USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Maps: Dry Lake SE, Muddy Peak, Bitter Spring, Government Wash, Callville Bay.
Additional Information
•
No camping is allowed within sight of trials, and half a mile from National Park Service designated roads.
•
No camping is allowed within 300 feet of water sources.
•
Recommended maximum group size: 12 members.
•
Camping is limited to a total of 14 days in one location, and no more than 90 days total
within any consecutive 12-month period.
•
Stock cannot be restrained within 200 feet of water.
•
Campfires are allowed, except during regional fire restrictions, with use of a fire pan or
blanket. Visitors are encouraged to only use camp stoves.
Photo Credit: Randy Kyes
Southern Nevada District Office
The Muddy Mountains Wilderness provides a striking backdrop for
hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Rock climbing and scrambling are
allowed without the placement of fixed anchors. Hunting is permissible,
but because of fragile vegetation and cryptogamic soil crusts, crosscountry use of recreational riding or pack stock is not permitted. The
only exception is for members of a hunting party in possession of a valid
state hunting license and tag, and in pursuit of big game during hunting.
Backcountry permits are not required.
No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data. Original data were
compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuacy standards. This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.
Southern Nevada District Office
N
BLM
Muddy Mountains Wilderness
