Cady Mountains Proposed Wilderness
 Managing
agency: Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District.
Size: Approximately 92,750 acres.
Location: - East of Barstow, between I-15 and I-40, San Bernardino County.
Description:
- Home to the Cady Mountains herd of desert bighorn sheep.
- Easy recreation access from Los Angeles and from growing community of Barstow.
- Area is a key core habitat, linking wildlife movement to surrounding public lands.
The Cady Mountains are an island of wildlife and rugged topography tucked between I-15 and I-40. A range of habitats from lowland sandy valley grasslands to upland volcanic ridges provide for a rich plant and animal diversity. Patient hikers may observe desert bighorn sheep as they quietly feed on the coarse desert vegetation or rest during the heat of the afternoon. Prairie falcons, golden eagles, coyotes, bobcats, jackrabbits, antelope ground squirrels, and Mojave fringed-toed lizards—all thrive in this intact landscape.
California biologists have identified the Cady Mountains as a
core of habitat important for the movement of wildlife over a larger landscape.
The area has been proposed as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for
its excellent bighorn sheep habitat.
The Cady Mountains’ location makes them easily accessible
to the urban adventurer while still providing the solitude and isolation of
an outstanding wilderness area. Just south of I-15, the Cadys drop into Afton
Canyon, a perennial desert wetland and popular camping area where the Mojave
River comes to the surface. Indians and early settlers used this water source
and their route, the historic Old Mojave Road, is preserved here. The northern
part of this area is popular for "rock-hounding."
For additional information, please contact:
Bryn Jones
California Wilderness Coalition
4065 Mission Inn Ave.
Riverside, CA 92501
(909) 781-1336
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Just three miles off of Interstate 80, 
