Golden Valley and Grass Valley
Proposed Wilderness Additions
Photo © Sam Roberts
Quick Facts
• Golden Valley Proposed
Wilderness additions –
about 7,690 acres.
Grass Valley Proposed
Wilderness additions –
13,890 acres
• Location: San Bernardino
County. Map: BLM Desert
Access Guide Cuddeback
Lake.
Beautiful, rugged mesas climb 4,500 to 5,000 above
Golden Valley. The valley is flanked by both the Lava and
Almond Mountain ranges. From a distance, these black
hills appear “painted,” due to black rocks that form
streaked lines on the hillsides. Golden Valley received its
name from the magnificent carpeting of desert sunflowers
that appear during wet springs.
In contrast, Grass Valley is composed of yellow and
reddish brown scattered hills dominated by creosote and
some Joshua trees. Both provide habitat for raptors,
desert tortoise and the Mojave ground squirrel. Vegetation
includes California poppy, Mariposa lily, bluebell,
burroweed and brittlebush.
• The historic 20 Mule
Borax trail crosses through
the area. 20 Mule Teams
were legendary for being
able to carry a 30 ton load
over 165 miles of desert in
10 days. The 1880s trail
stretches from Death Valley
and the Amargosa to the
trailhead at Mojave.
The California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act
California Wilderness Coalition, Monica Argandona 951.205.6004 margandona@calwild.org
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