Ready for your next outdoor adventure? Plan a trip to Nevada's Pahrump Valley Wilderness. It's a great place to stop for a visit on an RV getaway.
Pahrump Valley Wilderness is located in Pahrump, Nevada, and spans three important valleys across two states: the Pahrump Valley, the Mesquite Valley, and the California Valley. A Bureau of Land Management property, this picturesque recreational center became a national wilderness in 1994 and consists of 73,726 acres of land in total. An area that sees very few visitors yearly due to its remote locale, Pahrump Valley wilderness is known for its air of tranquility and calm. Also found on the grounds are the majestic peaks of the Nopah mountain range, an impressive sight to behold.
The terrain at Pahrump Valley Wilderness is rugged and diverse. Among the topographical hallmarks found here are immense canyons and bajadas. The property experiences a rise in elevation from 2,720 feet to 4,569 feet the pinnacle of the mountains.
Among the plant life that flourishes in the region are desert shrubs and yucca. There are several species of wildlife indigenous to the region including the endangered wild burro, bighorn sheep, the desert tortoise, and the golden eagle.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the grounds of Pahrump Valley Wilderness, meaning the area is not suited to RV camping. However, dispersed tent camping is allowed. Several nearby campgrounds offer RV and tent camping year-round for families to enjoy.
For an amazing vacation in the heart of the Nevada desert, consider a trip to Pahrump Valley Wilderness. It's a fantastic place to visit on your next RV getaway!
Pahrump Valley Wilderness is found in Pahrump, Nevada. To reach the wilderness ground, travelers should follow Excelsior Mine Road from the exit at Interstate 15. The Old Spanish Trail Highway provides an alternate route from which to access the grounds. Both highways are comprised of two lanes and are paved. The routes are flat and direct, cutting through a large swath of the desert.
Since access directly to the wilderness involves hiking, vehicles should be parked within 30 feet of the highway. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the grounds of Pahrump Valley Wilderness.
There are no provided parking lots at Pahrump Valley Wilderness. Travelers should leave their vehicles within 30 feet of the highway and progress the remainder of the way on foot.
There is no public transportation available to Pahrump Valley Wilderness.
Fletcher View Campground is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This camping facility is open year-round for RV and tent camping by reservation only.
There are several campsites that offer power hookups, and all are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and barbecues for families to enjoy. Drinking water is available on the grounds.
During monsoon season (from mid-July to mid-Sept), reservations are not accepted. However, camping is still permitted during this period, weather permitting.
There are no additional amenities provided at this camping facility. The most popular activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, and biking.
SDNHM Horse Springs Camp is found in San Bernardino National Forest. It is an extremely remote locale, offering campers their own little private slice of paradise. The campground is found in the heart of a large expanse of trees to provide extra privacy.
There are 11 campsites on the grounds which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the ruggedness of the terrain, this campground is not suited to RV camping. Tent camping is permitted year-round at this facility.
The on-site amenities include picnic tables and toilets.
There is no water available at this campground. Campers must bring water for drinking, bathing, and cooking with them from home.
Shoshane Museum is well worth a visit during a trip to Pahrump Valley Wilderness. The on-site building houses many exhibits which pay tribute to the history of the town and the artifacts found within the region.
One of the most popular exhibits is the skeleton of a mammoth which was discovered in the town of Shoshane. The museum also details the town's role in such historical activities as bootlegging, local railroad development, baseball, and mining.
Also on display are several exhibits detailing local wildlife indigenous to the region.
At the pinnacle of the museum grounds is the former opening to the now-closed Gerstley Mine, a facility that dug for borax. The ore discovered was once used to glaze pottery.
Dublin Gulch, once a popular resting place for area miners, has now become a ghost town. In the 1920s, the area was densely populated with working men who built their homes in the sides of the cliffs to save money on materials. Evidence of many of these homes still remains including chimneys, doors, and even garages.
It is believed that the gulch took its name from Mr. Jon Vollmer who claimed the settlement for a town that was close to the region in Montana from which he hailed.
A second group of clay homes can be found along the Amaragosa River which houses the famous Castle in Clay.
Dublin Gulch has been desolate since 1970.
After a visit to Dublin Gulch, many families like to make an additional trip to see Castle in Clay. In the tradition of the miners in the 20th century who formed their homes in the cliffs of Shoshane to save money on resources, Castle in Clay was built out of a cliff face along an important road.
The home originally belonged to Harvey Rutledge and is one of the most innovative structures of its time.
Some of the former dwellings still possess locked doors while others are open for the public to explore. Many of them contain several rooms.
A lot of these cave side homes have fallen into disrepair and show signs of rubble.
Lovell Canyon Campground is a Bureau of Land Management property which permits camping year-round. The camping conditions at this facility are primitive with no amenities provided. Since water is not available at this location, families must come prepared with what they need for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
Dogs are welcome to join their owners here but must remain leashed at all times.
Since predatory animals make this region their home, care must be taken to properly store food and dispose of all waste to prevent any negative interactions with wildlife.
There is on-site RV parking provided; however, the area is best suited to tenting.
Among the most popular activities at Lovell Canyon Campground are hiking and wildlife viewing.
For those who love to hike, a trip to Mary Jane Falls Trail will not disappoint. This popular hiking path is approximately three miles in length. An out and back trek, this trail sees a lot of traffic from March through November each year.
Mary Jane Falls Trail is considered to be of moderate difficulty, making it well-suited to seasoned hikers. One of the most beautiful features on this trail is a stunning waterfall that is well worthy of photos.
Dogs may join their owners on this trail but must remain leashed at all times. The trail ascends 990 feet in elevation and can be steep in places.
During rainy weather, the trail can become very slippery. Exercise caution when hiking in wet conditions.
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for families looking to learn more about the plant and animal life that is indigenous to the region. Nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, this beloved property houses such treasures as Devil's Hole and many incredible boardwalks from which to enjoy the surrounding beauty.
The on-site visitors center provides education and interactive exhibits and also shows daily screenings of a movie dedicated to the region. Also found on the grounds is the Crystal Springs Boardwalk, a bookstore, and a picnic area.
Crystal Springs Boardwalk leads visitors from the visitors center to a stunning turquoise pool. Though swimming is not permitted here, there are benches where families can relax and enjoy the views.
Tecopa Hot Springs is a family favorite park and campground. The main attraction at this popular facility is the hot spring pools which are ideal for soothing aching muscles.
But Tecopa Hot Springs offers much more than simply the chance to relax in the blissful waters of the area springs. Also found on the grounds is a playground, a community center, and a private swimming pool. Bathrooms, showers, and change rooms are provided for the public to use.
The area is also a haven for rocks and natural gems such as amethysts, opals, and petrified woods.
