Soda Mountains Wilderness Study Area

The dramatic escarpment of the Soda Mountains lies just north of I-15 and west of Baker. The southern boundary generally parallels I-15, the northern boundary is delineated by Silver Lake Mine Road, and Hwy 127 marks the eastern border. This large, roadless area takes in both the Soda Mountains and Cronese Mountains, plus the intervening valleys. The rugged Soda Mountains are dissected by colorful canyons with steep walls that vary from red to gold. Some 10 percent of the wilderness consists of playas; the three largest are the West Cronese, East Cronese, and Silver Dry Lakes. Some 80,000 acres of this area were designated a wilderness study area by the California Desert Protection Act. Vegetation is largely creosote bush and saltbush. Two sensitive species—Androstephium brevifolium and Linathus arenicola—occur in the area. A stand of crucifixion thorn is reported for the area.