PS - CHUCKWALLA WILDERNESS 4x4

Less than two hours east of Palm Springs, the Chuckwalla Bench is a spectacular landscape abundant with wildlife and rare desert plants. The Chuckwalla Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is home to North America’s biggest and most intact old-growth microphyll woodland, as well as some of California’s best desert tortoise habitat. Now remote and peaceful, the Chuckwalla Bench also features a rich history of human activity, from prehistoric and traditional Native American cultural sites, to historic gold miners’ trails. With hundreds of miles of trails and roads, across rugged mountains and sprawling vistas, there are endless opportunities for exploration. Join us for a rare chance to explore this invaluable piece of public land and learn its secrets.

!Be prepared for a long day with frequent stops along the route and returning after dark. 

8 AM Depart from Coachella Valley (meeting spot TBD)

Access requires  4 wheel drive off road trail rated vehicle.

Itinerary  106 miles to Wiley' Well 

Stop at Chiriaco Summit for fuel

Approx 80 miles loop to Bradshaw and return Graham Rd.

Great Outdoors Contact: Scott C: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

1. This  habitat provides essential ecosystem services. The woodlands and their seasonal washes (streams) transport water, seeds, and other nutrients to nearby desert ecosystems. They are the veins of the desert supporting plant and animal life for miles.
2. Microphyll woodlands comprise only five percent of the acreage in Sonoran Desert but account for 95 percent of the habitat for migrating birds!

Microphyll woodlands reference