Great Falls Basin, Proposed Wilderness

Great Falls Basin; © Tom Budlong

Size: Approximately 7,871 acres

Management Agency: Bureau of Land Management, Ridgecrest Field Office

Location: Inyo County, Southern Argus Range. North of Trona.

Maps: BLM Desert Access Guide Ridgecrest

Landscape and History

The last thing you think about in a desert place is water, but the lucky visitor can often find a refreshing natural “bathtub” filled with fresh water at the foot of the basin. This energizing feature is present because year‐round springs and streams feed the catchment basin. The proposed wilderness boundary is above and beyond the ridgeline, but park at the designated markers for easy access to the basin, hiking trails and to enjoy the surrounding cliffs, peaks, and canyon walls. The mountain ranges appear striated because of ancient sedimentation and range in dramatic colors form dusty brown to rich gold. A boyscout troop from the nearby town of Trona maintains a hiking trail up the south side of the canyon and hikers are treated to sweeping views of the ancient Pleistocene strandlines of Searles Lake as well as unique rock formations like the giant bowling ball pictured here.

Wildlife and Plants

Falls Basin includes an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) that recognizes the scenic values and the habitat for the Inyo brown towhee, a State‐listed rare bird species. There is also historic use by desert bighorn sheep. The higher elevations have yucca, mountain mahogany, and some pinyon pine and juniper.

Activity Highlight

Rock‐climbing. There are 15 prominent routes, 9 of which are in the falls area. For those who are interested in river‐rock locations, the granite has been carved away by years of hydro pressure leaving the rock arced and smooth for challenging and rewarding climbing. Contact BLM Ridgecrest for up to date conditions. Level: Intermediate.

For More Information

Monica Argandoña, Desert Program Director, California Wilderness Coalition
margandona@calwild.org | (951) 205 6004