The Little Picacho Wilderness now contains a total of 38,214 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Little Picacho Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.
Leave No Trace principles:
Regulations:
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
This wilderness can be accessed from two routes. From the east, exit Interstate 8 at the 4th Ave/Winterhaven off ramp. Go left on 4th Ave to State Route S-24 (approximately 1/8 mile). Follow S-24 to Imperial Dam (18 miles) and turn left at the Imperial Dam sign onto Ferguson Wash Road. The wilderness is along the west side of the road. From the west, travel on S-24 until it becomes a dirt road and intersects with the All-American Canal. Turn right and go 1/4 mile to Picacho Road (County A481). Turn left across the canal and go toward the Picacho State Recreation Area. The wilderness will be on the east side of the road.