Bureau of Land Management (www.blm.gov)

El Centro Field Office

1661 S. 4th Street

El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-4400

Yuma Field Office

7341 E. 30th Street

Yuma, AZ 85365 928-317-3200

Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office

1201 Bird Center Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-833-7100

RECREATION

The Colorado Desert contains thousands of historic and prehistoric 

archaeological sites and artifacts (objects made or used by 

humans) that provide a rich legacy of more than 10,000 years of 

human history in North America. Unfortunately, many sites have 

been damaged by unauthorized artifact collection and vandalism, 

which is illegal and subject to severe civil and criminal penalties. 

Some sites do allow activities such as rockhounding and metal 

detecting, with certain limitations. Where these activities are not 

allowed, please enjoy these fragile, nonrenewable resources by 

viewing, sketching, or photographing them, leaving the surface of 

the site undisturbed and the artifacts untouched. 

Tumco Historic Mining Town

Tumco is an abandoned gold mining town located in the Cargo 

Muchacho Mountains east of the Imperial Sand Dunes along 

Ogilby Road. Originally named Gold Rock Camp, and then Hedges, 

Tumco is also one of the earliest gold mining areas in California. 

Its history spans roughly 300 years, with several periods of boom 

and bust.

Gold was first discovered by Spanish colonists as they moved 

northward from Sonora, Mexico. According to legend, two young 

boys came into their camp one evening with their shirts filled with 

gold ore. These muchachos cargados (loaded boys) were the 

namesake for the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, where the Tumco 

deposits occur. Following the first discovery of gold, Mexican 

settlers operated numerous small mines for many years.

In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed the Yuma to Los 

Angeles line of its transcontinental route. The railroad allowed 

access to the gold in the Cargo Muchachos, leading to a gold 

rush into the area and the establishment of the town of Hedges. 

This initial rush to stake individual mining claims soon gave 

way to mining companies that moved into the area, purchased 

claims, and developed the mines on a large scale. A 12-mile 

wood pipeline pumped more than 100,000 gallons of water per 

day from the Colorado River to the mines and the railroad carried 

mine timbers from northern Arizona for use in the expansive 

underground workings. The Golden Cross Mining and Milling 

Company was formed in 1893, but high costs and operational 

problems put the company into receivership in 1895. In 1897, 

the area was taken over by the Free Gold Mining and Milling 

Company. By 1907, this company had abandoned the area and 

Hedges had become a ghost town. The United Mines Company 

took over the area in 1910, naming the town from the letters in the 

company name (TUMCo).

During the boom of the 1890s, the town supported about 

400 people, making it the largest town in what is now Imperial 

County. The 140 mill stamps operating during its heyday 

produced $1,000 per day in gold. Ultimately, over 200,000 

ounces of gold was taken from the mines in the area. Historical 

While it seems that little could survive in this harsh, arid 

environment, a wide variety of wildlife species have adapted to 

the climate of the Colorado Desert. Such adaptations are evident 

in the microphyll woodlands that have developed in the alluvial 

fan formed as flash floods drain from the Cargo Muchacho and 

Chocolate Mountains onto a flatter plain. In these microphyll 

woodlands, the mesquite, creosote, ironwood, and paloverde have 

evolved with small leaves, enabling them to retain more water 

and stay cooler. This canopy of small leaves provides shelter from 

the sun’s intense rays for the coyotes burrowing beneath it and 

the great horned owls nesting within it. It also shades the ponds 

that form from the summer monsoons, supplying the Couch’s 

spadefoot, desert tortoise, and numerous other species with much 

needed water. These microphyll woodlands support the highest 

density of wildlife within the desert. Maintaining the delicate 

balance of this desert environment is critical to the survival of 

the wildlife found here and throughout the area, particularly those 

species that are sensitive, threatened, or endangered. Please 

respect the wildlife you encounter and avoid any disturbance to 

wildlife habitat.

Desert Tortoise

The desert tortoise, a federally threatened species under the 

Endangered Species Act, is a seldom-seen inhabitant of the 

desert. The tortoise’s potential habitat range extends east from 

the microphyll woodlands along the east side of the Imperial Sand 

Dunes. If you find a tortoise in the desert, respect its privacy 

and space. You may take pictures and observe it, but do not 

touch or harass the animal. If you find a tortoise, either dead or 

alive, don’t collect it. Call the BLM El Centro Field Office with the 

general location, global positioning system (GPS) coordinates 

(if available), your contact information, and the condition of the 

tortoise. Report any vandalism, harassment, or collecting to the 

El Centro Field Office or the California Department of Fish and 

Game’s “CalTip” number: 1-888-334-2258. For more information, 

contact the El Centro Field Office or visit www.tortoise.org or 

www.deserttortoise.org.

Desert Wildlife Management Areas

Desert wildlife management areas (DWMAs) have been 

established for the protection and recovery of the desert tortoise. 

DWMAs encompass much of the designated critical habitat 

for the desert tortoise and are managed as areas of critical 

environmental concern (ACECs). They may overlap other specially 

designated areas on BLM and military lands. Special management 

measures have been established to minimize disturbance to 

habitat and maximize mitigation, compensation, and restoration 

from authorized uses within the DWMAs.

Camping

Dispersed Sites: Camping opportunities can be found throughout 

the public lands administered by the BLM. Primitive campsites 

offer one of the best ways to experience the deserts of California. 

These sites are widely dispersed, undeveloped, and generally 

do not have signs marking them as campsites. They are usually 

clear of vegetation and have a hard, compacted surface. The BLM 

generally allows dispersed camping on all BLM lands with the 

following conditions and exceptions:

1. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days within a 28-day 

period at any location, after which campers must relocate at 

least 25 miles away. 

2. Camping is prohibited within 300 feet of any developed water 

source, including water guzzlers or watering troughs, to keep 

water accessible to wildlife and livestock. 

3. A permit may be required for campfires. Contact the 

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or the 

BLM El Centro Field Office prior to your trip if you plan to 

have a campfire. Restrictions on fires vary depending on fire 

danger, county ordinances, and other variables. 

4. In accordance with the California Desert Conservation Area 

plan, as amended, stopping, parking, and vehicle camping is 

allowed within 300 feet of designated routes of travel, except 

within sensitive areas (such as areas of critical environmental 

concern, desert wildlife management areas, and critical 

habitat areas) where the limit is 100 feet from the route.

5. Camping is prohibited within 1 mile of any of the long-term 

visitor areas (LTVAs), where visitors are allowed to camp for 

as long as 7 months. 

6. Tent camping is permitted within all wilderness areas 

managed by the El Centro Field Office.

Leave No Trace: Many dispersed campsites are showing signs 

of impact from heavy use. You can lessen your impact on the 

desert by following these principles of minimum impact:

•	Plan Ahead and Prepare: Get to know the area, rules, 

regulations, and any other special concerns before you visit. 

Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

•	Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Use designated 

routes. Camp at previously used sites. When there is no 

danger of rain or flash flooding, camp in washes, where signs 

of camping will eventually be washed away. Camp at least 

300 feet away from water sources. 

•	Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. Pack 

out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Deposit human waste 

WELCOME

Imperial County lies within the 7-million-acre Colorado Desert 

in southern California. This unique desert landscape is 

characterized by broad valleys and low, rugged mountain 

ranges carved by washes from the draining of seasonal rains. 

Though elevations range from 275 feet below sea level to nearly 

10,000 feet in the mountains, most areas are below 1,000 feet. 

Summer daytime temperatures in the Colorado Desert can reach 

more than 110 degrees, and the average annual rainfall is only 

2.92 inches. This region contains habitat for wildlife, supports 

commercial operations such as mining, renewable energy, and 

utility transmission, and provides a variety of recreational 

opportunities. 

The public lands in eastern Imperial County are managed 

according to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Northern 

and Eastern Colorado Desert Coordinated Management Plan 

(referred to as NECO), which updates the California Desert 

Conservation Area Plan of 1980. A primary emphasis of NECO is 

the designation of routes of travel for motorized vehicles that 

protect the resources while still providing visitors access to the 

history, wilderness, recreation (including off-highway vehicle use), 

and wildlife throughout the area. 

accounts describe Tumco as a typical raucous mining town with 

rich eastern investors, unscrupulous charlatans, and colorful 

characters—that ultimately fell into financial ruin. Although the 

Tumco townsite has long been abandoned, gold mining has been 

conducted more recently near the western end of this valley. 

In early 1995, the American Girl Mining Joint Venture began 

operations near the site of some of the early mines in the area.

Additional historic information about the area can be found in the 

Journal of San Diego History, spring and summer 1996 issues.

The Wiley Well District

The Wiley Well District is located south of Interstate 10 between 

Desert Center and Blythe. This beautiful desert country is nestled 

within the Little Chuckwalla, Mule, and Palo Verde Mountains and 

the Black Hills. The hills are dotted with sparse desert plants, and 

paloverde trees line the washes, giving the impression of water 

and cool shade. The area is known for its colorful flowers, which 

are coaxed from cactuses and other vegetation by winter rains. 

The area is also rich in history, and contains ancient fossils as well 

as artifacts from early Native Americans, pioneers, conquistadors, 

gold miners, ranchers, and military troops, including those trained 

by General Patton during World War II.

Best known for its many geode beds and a variety of other rocks 

and minerals, the Wiley Well District has been popular with 

rockhounds since the 1940s. Geodes are hollow, spherical rock 

structures composed of chalcedony that have crystals of quartz, 

calcite, or other minerals lining their walls and extending into 

the hollow, often forming a beautiful display. There are several 

productive geode beds in the Black Hills, including Hauser, Roads 

End, Potato Patch, Cinnamon, Straw, and Hidden Saddle Beds. 

Geodes can still be found at the surface of the beds. More geodes 

may be found by digging into the soft volcanic ash; however, 

disturbance to the surface must remain within allowable limits.

Rockhounds can find agate, chalcedony roses, jasper, psilomelane 

(romanechite), and amygdules throughout the hills and washes. 

Another major attraction for rockhounds is the Opal Hill Fire Agate 

Mine in the Mule Mountains, where very fine fire agate, quartz 

crystal “flowers,” calcite crystals, chalcedony nodules, and other 

mineral specimens can be found. There is a fee to dig in this 

privately owned area.

In January 2000, the California Federation of Mineralogical 

Societies and the BLM signed a memorandum of understanding 

to designate the Wiley Well District as a Rockhound Educational 

and Recreational Area and to preserve over 36 square miles of this 

outstanding collecting area for rockhounding. 

Information provided by Richard Pankey, California Federation of 

Mineralogical Societies, Inc.

HISTORY

WILDLIFE

Routes of Travel Designations

There are numerous opportunities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) 

recreation on the lands managed by BLM’s El Centro Field Office. 

Miles of trails await all types of OHV enthusiasts. Please keep in 

mind that you are responsible for knowing, understanding, and 

complying with all OHV regulations. Please obey all signs regarding 

the management of public lands and routes. The NECO planning area 

is designated as a “limited use” area for vehicle travel, which means 

that vehicles must stay on approved, signed routes (open routes) and 

that no cross-country vehicle travel off of those routes is allowed. 

Vehicle travel is also prohibited in military training areas.

All routes, including navigable washes that have been inventoried and 

mapped on public lands, are designated in the NECO plan as open 

routes with the following exceptions:

1. Where such use has already been limited or prohibited through 

publication of a final notice in the Federal Register.

2. Where specific biological parameters proposed through the NECO 

plan are applied to minimize harassment of wildlife and significant 

disruption of wildlife habitats relative to motorized-vehicle use.

3. Where restrictions on use are required to protect other resource 

values of the public lands, promote the safety of all users of the 

public lands, or minimize conflicts among various uses of the 

public lands. All navigable washes on public lands that have not 

been individually inventoried and mapped are designated “open” 

as a class except where such washes occur within a “washes 

closed zone” created to meet management goals.

The NECO planning area adjoins the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation 

Area (ISDRA). While cross-country travel is not permitted within the 

NECO area, the ISDRA is an open area, which means that crosscountry travel is allowed. The ISDRA can be accessed near Glamis.

California Off-Highway Vehicle Laws

Many, but not all, parts of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) are 

highlighted below. Operators are responsible for knowing the law.

Safety Requirements - Operators and passengers of all-terrain 

vehicles (ATVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) must 

wear an approved safety helmet (38505, 38601 CVC). Operators and 

passengers of ROVs must wear a properly fastened seat belt and 

shoulder belt or safety harness when in motion (38602 CVC).

Adult Supervision - ATV operators shall be at least 14 years of age 

unless they satisfy the safety certification requirements of 38503 

CVC and are accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or 

authorized adult (38504 CVC). ROV operators shall be at least 16 years 

of age or directly supervised in the vehicle by a parent, guardian, or 

authorized adult (38600 CVC).

Noise Restrictions - Noise emissions of off-highway vehicles shall be 

limited to not more than 96 dBa if manufactured on or after January 1, 

1986, and not more than 101 dBa if manufactured before January 1, 

1986 (38370(h)(1) CVC). Please visit http://ohv.parks.ca.gov for other 

restrictions and information. 

Carrying of Passengers - No ATV operators shall carry a passenger 

on public lands unless the ATV is designed to carry a passenger, then 

they may carry no more than one passenger (38506 CVC). Operators 

of 2014 or later ROVs shall not allow passengers to occupy a seat not 

designed and provided by the manufacturer. In older models, seats not 

designed and provided by the manufacturer may only be occupied if 

the passenger is fully contained inside the vehicle’s rollover protection 

structure at all times during operation (38603 CVC). ROV passengers 

must be able to grasp the occupant handhold with their back against 

the upright seatback and their seat belt and shoulder belt or safety 

harness properly fastened (38604 CVC).

Wilderness areas are special places where the land and resources 

retain a primeval character and remain essentially undisturbed. 

These areas provide habitat for numerous wildlife species, 

sources of clean water, and natural laboratories for research 

and education. They also provide extraordinary opportunities 

for solitude as well as recreational activities such as hiking, 

climbing, horseback riding, birdwatching, and stargazing. Visitors 

should expect primitive terrain with no facilities, trails, or other 

improvements. In accordance with the 1964 Wilderness Act, 

no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or other form 

of mechanical transport is allowed in wilderness. Wilderness 

boundaries are set back 30 to 300 feet from the roads or trails 

leading to them.

Indian Pass Wilderness

Indian Pass Wilderness is a distinctive part of the Chocolate 

Mountains, which extend from south-central Riverside County 

to the Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona. The highest point in 

this 32,418-acre wilderness is Quartz Peak at 2,200 feet. The 

jagged mountain peaks and spires are sliced by mazes of twisting 

canyons that carry water from occasional desert cloudbursts into 

several tree-lined washes. One of these washes passes through 

the heart of the wilderness, giving the region the nickname “Julian 

Wash country.” The area’s proximity to the Colorado River and 

the Arizona Desert contributes to the presence of wildlife species, 

such as the Colorado River toad, Great Plains toad, and tree lizard, 

that are common in other states, but are rarely seen in California. 

Burros and mule deer make their home throughout the entire area, 

and the rugged mountains provide ideal habitat for the desert 

bighorn sheep. Wild horses can often be found wandering into 

Julian Wash country, which is located about 50 miles west of 

Brawley. 

Little Picacho Wilderness

Little Picacho Wilderness, located 55 miles east of El Centro, 

encompasses the southern portion of the Chocolate Mountains. 

This 38,214-acre wilderness, which ranges in elevation from 

200 to 1,500 feet, is characterized by jutting spires and steep 

ridges with ravines that gradually broaden into sandy, tree-lined 

washes. Slopes and plains are devoid of vegetation, instead 

covered with a desert pavement of angular cobbles. These 

rusty dark orange and brown cobbles stand out against the 

nearly white bottoms of the washes. A herd of 25 desert 

bighorn sheep enjoy the terrain, and the Picacho wild horse 

herd ranges over roughly 5,000 acres in the northwest corner of 

the wilderness. Wild burros can also be found roaming through 

the area. These animals share their home with the desert tortoise 

and the spotted bat. 

Palo Verde Mountains Wilderness

Palo Verde Mountains Wilderness is distinguished by twin buttes, 

known as the Flat Tops, which stand out as a landmark against 

a range of jagged peaks. Palo Verde Peak is the high point of the 

range, rising to 1,800 feet. Dry washes cut across the mountain 

slopes, supporting such vegetation as paloverde, mesquite, and 

ironwood. Clapp Spring and its palm oasis are unique to this area, 

offering the only permanent water source to wildlife species like 

desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and wild burros. Saguaros, 

a rare plant species in California, dot the southeastern part of this 

30,562-acre wilderness located 18 miles southwest of Blythe.

Picacho Peak Wilderness

Picacho Peak Wilderness, located 40 miles south of Blythe, contains 

8,858 acres composed of three distinct regions. The central and 

western region is dominated by a massive range of dark gray 

mountains extending southeast from Indian Pass. Mica Peak, the 

highest point within the wilderness at 1,499 feet, is located near the 

center of this range. The region south of these central mountains 

is a rolling benchland that is dissected by narrow, vertical walled 

arroyos. The third region is the northeastern area, where small 

peaks, open basins, and large washes have formed. The lowest 

points in the wilderness area are found in Gavilan and Carrizo 

Washes on the eastern boundary. The Carrizo Wash supports a 

natural rock “tank,” which traps water at the base of Carrizo Falls. 

The falls are created by runoff from desert cloudbursts, which 

periodically cascade over a series of rock ledges dropping 40 feet. A 

large cattail-lined pool at the base of the falls provides a desert oasis 

for a variety of wildlife species, including desert bighorn sheep. 

Wild horses and burros roam this wilderness, and desert tortoises 

burrow in the soft volcanic soils.

Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness

The 28,034 acres of the Little Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness 

include rugged mountains surrounded by a large, gently sloping 

bajada laced with a network of washes. To the north, a bajada 

gently rises to 400 feet, while the rugged mountains crest at 

2,100 feet. Portions of this region provide habitat for bighorn sheep 

and desert tortoise, and the southern bajada provides crucial desert 

tortoise habitat. Several sensitive plant species grow here, including 

the California snakeweed, Alverson’s foxtail cactus, and barrel 

cactus.

in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from 

water, camp, and trails. Disguise catholes when finished. 

Pack out toilet paper in two sealable bags. Avoid polluting 

water sources.

•	Leave What You Find: Protect cultural resources. Leave all 

artifacts as you find them. Leave natural objects and avoid 

damaging vegetation or transporting nonnative species.

•	Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a lightweight gas stove 

for cooking. Fires, where permitted, should be kept small 

and within existing fire rings. Wood in arid environments is 

scarce, so bring your own firewood or do without.

•	Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Properly store 

food and do not feed wildlife. Keep pets away from wildlife.

•	Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Be courteous and 

respectful. Yield to others on trails. Avoid making loud 

noises.

Rockhounding 

Rockhounding is one of many recreational activities on BLM 

lands in California. Rockhounds are welcome to collect small, 

noncommercial quantities of rocks, minerals, and gemstones free 

of charge on BLM lands. Commercial collecting for the purpose 

of sale or barter is not allowed without special authorization. 

Rockhounds may use hand tools such as shovels and picks but 

must not use explosives or power equipment for excavation.

Noncommercial collecting is allowed on most federal lands, 

but there are some exceptions. Some lands are withdrawn or 

reserved for certain purposes, such as outstanding natural areas, 

research natural areas, recreation sites, and national historic 

sites. Other lands are not open to collecting due to the presence 

of mining claims. The local BLM office can provide information 

about collecting areas, including whether any are closed or have 

fire or vehicle-use restrictions.

Metal Detecting 

Another recreational activity on BLM lands involves using metal 

detectors. Metal detecting is allowed on BLM lands as long as 

no artifacts (objects over 50 years old) are removed and surface 

disturbance is minimal. Avoid all cultural and archeological sites; 

leave artifacts undisturbed and report them to the appropriate 

BLM field office. Digging in or otherwise damaging archaeological 

sites will lead to civil or criminal penalties. Metal detecting 

enthusiasts may remove a handful of rocks from picnic areas, 

campgrounds, recreational sites, and other areas as long as 

those areas are not part of a mining claim. Mining claims can 

be researched on BLM’s land and mineral Legacy Rehost 2000 

System (http://www.blm.gov/lr2000). If you have any questions 

regarding your activities, please contact BLM’s El Centro Field 

Office for authorization.

Operating an OHV Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs - 

It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any 

alcoholic beverage, any drug, or a combination of both, to drive a 

vehicle (23152(a) CVC). Driving off-road or on-road with a suspended 

or revoked license is against the law (14601 CVC).

Speed Laws

1. Basic Speed Law: No person shall operate an off-highway 

vehicle faster than is safe for conditions (38305 CVC).

2. Prima Facie Speed Limit: The prima facie speed limit within 

50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of 

people or animals shall be less than 15 mph unless changed as 

authorized by the CVC (38310 CVC).

Registration

1. Vehicles operated on federal and state highways and county 

roads must be licensed for highway use (4000(a) CVC).

2. Off-highway vehicles owned by California residents must be 

registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and 

properly display a valid Green Sticker or Red Sticker Vehicle 

Identification Tag (38020, 38010, 38170 CVC). 

3. Off-highway vehicles without a valid registration or permit from 

the owner’s home state (or Mexico and Canada) must purchase 

a California nonresident permit (sticker) through selected vendors 

in California, Nevada, and Arizona or from California State Parks, 

916-324-4442 (38020 CVC).

Required Equipment - Any off-highway vehicle must be equipped with 

an approved muffler, brakes, and spark arrester. A headlight and at least 

one red tail light are required for operation at night (38330 CVC).

Environmental Damage - No person shall operate an OHV in a 

way likely to cause environmental damage (38319 CVC, 43 CFR 

8341.1(f)(4)).

Firearms - Firearms must not be discharged within 150 yards of 

residences, buildings, campsites, occupied areas, recreational areas, 

or domestic livestock. Shooting from or across any road is prohibited. 

Shooting from a vehicle is prohibited. It is unlawful to carry a loaded 

weapon in a vehicle (California Fish and Game Code 3004, California 

Penal Code 374c, 12034, and 12031, respectively).

Supplementary Rules

The following rules apply on public lands administered by the BLM 

California Desert District unless explicitly authorized by a permit or 

other authorization document issued by the BLM:

•	Public nudity is prohibited at all developed sites and areas and all

off-road vehicle (ORV) open areas.

•	It is prohibited for a person to ride in or transport another person

in or on a portion of an ORV or trailer that is not designed or 

intended for the transportation of passengers.

•	It is prohibited to use as firewood, or have in their possession,

any firewood materials containing nails, screws, or other metal 

hardware, including, but not limited to, wood pallets and/or 

construction debris.

•	Possession of glass beverage containers is prohibited in all

developed sites and areas and all ORV open areas.

•	It is prohibited to place into the ground any nonflexible object,

such as, but not limited to, metal or wood stakes, poles, or 

pipes, with the exception of small tent or awning stakes, at all 

developed sites and areas and all ORV open areas.

•	It is prohibited to reserve or save a camping space for another

person at all developed sites and areas and all ORV open areas.

•	All persons must keep their sites free of trash and litter during the

period of occupancy.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

Police-Fire-Ambulance

911

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office 760-339-6311 or

1-800-452-2051

California Highway Patrol

(El Centro Office) 760-482-2500

CHP Local Road Conditions 760-482-2555

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Dispatch 1-800-901-2003

1-800-BE-ALERT

For More Information Contact:

OFF-HIGHWAY BLM/CA/GI-11/012+8300+REV17

VEHICLE USE

SAFETY

In the Colorado Desert, temperatures in the summer often exceed 

110 degrees. Visitors should plan accordingly and carry a minimum 

of a gallon of water per day for each member of their party, as well as 

sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a daypack. Cell phone and global 

positioning system (GPS) coverage may be limited in remote areas, so 

you may also want to carry maps and a compass. In addition, always 

advise others of where you are going and when you plan to return. 

WILDERNESS

El Centro Field Office

BLM Routes of Travel for Eastern 

Imperial County, California

Bureau of

Land Management
Danger

Keep

Out!

Danger

Keep

Out!

Danger

Keep

Out!

This scale only applies to this 

route diagram and not to the 

smaller route insets.

•	 Designated routes are suitable for all types of off-highway

vehicles, including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and 

4x4 vehicles.

•	 No off-route travel is allowed in limited use areas.

•	 No use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or other

form of mechanical transport is allowed in wilderness.

•	 Vehicle camping is allowed within 300 feet of designated

routes of travel, except within sensitive areas (such as 

areas of critical environmental concern, desert wildlife 

management areas, and critical habitat areas), where the 

limit is 100 feet from the route.

•	 County roads (open to street legal vehicles only) are often

graded dirt roads and are considered “easy,” and open 

routes are generally considered “moderately difficult.”