OverviewThe Big Maria Mountain Range is located north of Blythe in Riverside County California. The Big Marias are within a Wilderness Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The highpoint of the Big Maria Mountains is known commonly as Big Maria Mountain.
The terrain of the Big Maria Mountains varies from gently sloping bajadas to numerous rough, craggy peaks disjointed by steep canyons. The northern boundary lies south of a major drainage known as Big Wash, and the eastern edge parallels State Highway 95 and the Colorado River. The west and south boundaries follow power lines and contours along the base of the mountains. Foxtail cactus and California barrel cactus dot the landscape, and a burro deer herd relies on the river's habitat for survival.
The Big Marias from where I parked to hike to the highpoint:
A map of the area surrounding the Big Marias:
Getting ThereTake the Lovekin Boulevard exit off Interstate 10 in Blythe. Drive North for about 5 miles on Lovekin Boulevard to where the road crosses railroad tracks. Continue on the road (now called Midland Road) northwest for 8.5 miles to where you turn right onto a dirt powerline road. You will follow the road for 5.6 to 5.7 miles (you will want high clearance and possibly 4WD to go more than the first 4 miles of the road). If you're in a low-slung vehicle it might be a good idea to park at the 4 mile mark and hike in the rest of the way.
Once you have gotten down the powerline road 5.6 to 5.7 miles you are at the starting point for the hike to the highpoint of the Big Marias.A Route to the Highpoint of the Big MariasThe hike to the highpoint of the Big Marias (Peak 3381') is approximatley 5.5 miles round-trip with 2100 feet of elevation gain. The travel is cross-country in a wash and along a ridge over fairly gentle terrain.
The route I went: From the powerline road hike ENE and drop into a big wash and head easterly in the wash. Follow the wash, taking the left fork at about 1600 feet. When you get to about 2000 feet there is another fork. At this point, work your way up to the ridge ahead at about 2550 feet anyway you want to. Once on the ridge, turn east (right) and continue east until a small saddle 3000+ feet where you will turn north and go over or around a couple of small bumps before turning east (right) to head a short distance to the highpoint of the Big Marias. You can also turn along the ridge at about 2900 feet and head northeast toward the summit without heading to the saddle at 3000+ feet. The summit doesn't come into view until you get over 3000 feet because the other bumps are in the way.
There is another bump about 1/2 mile south of the highpoint of the Big Marias that is only one foot shorter at 3080 feet above sea level, so when you are up on the ridge you will see the other peak to the south of the highpoint first and it looks like the highpoint but it isn't.
Here's a map of my track:
CampingJust pull off the road and camp. It helps preserve the area if you park your vehicle or set up camp in previously disturbed sites.
Camping is limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site.
Gathering wood for campfires, when permitted, is limited to dead and down materials. Do not cut live vegetation.
External LinksBureau of Land Management - Palm Springs Office
Sierra Club's Desert Peak Guide
Pictures of my hike to Big Maria on 12/29/07
Images
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Calif. Desert Peaks
