Ibex Hills and Axe Head, Proposed National Park Wilderness Additions

Desert Tortoise; © David Lamfrom

Size: Ibex Hills approximately 23,500 acres, Axe Head approximately 8,686 acres

Management Agency: National Park Service, Death Valley

Location: Within Death Valley National Park, in the southeastern area

Maps: BLM Desert Access Guide Owlshead Mountains

Landscape and History

The ‘Axe Head’ triangle‐shaped area in extreme southern Death Valley National Park consists of low hills, desert washes and prime habitat for the threatened desert tortoise. In addition to excellent wildlife viewing, this area offers outstanding opportunities for solitude. It is bordered on the north by lightly traveled dirt roads. On the south it would be contiguous with proposed wilderness in the Bowling Alley addition to Death Valley National Park.

The Ibex Hills are in the southwestern corner of Death Valley National Park and contain rugged mountains, remote canyons, tranquil desert washes, and habitat for the threatened desert tortoise while offering outstanding opportunities for solitude. Its addition as wilderness would allow a connection between the small, isolated Saddle Peak Hills Wilderness managed by BLM with the larger Death Valley Wilderness area to the west.

Wildlife and Plants

These areas are home to desert tortoise, chuckwalla, grey fox, bobcat, kit fox, coyote, and red tailed hawk, among many other species. The Ibex Hills were formerly inhabited by desert bighorn sheep, and may be a future site for reintroduction of this once widespread species.

Activity Highlight

Hiking, backcountry camping, and enjoyment of natural soundscape and solitude. These areas boast amazing vistas and the opportunity to enjoy Death Valley’s natural landscape and soundscape. The opportunities for recreation and reflection in these areas are outstanding.

For More Information

Mike Cipra, CA Desert Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association
mcipra@npca.org | (760) 366 7785