Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

Day Use Areas in Arizona

Day Use Areas 3,454 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)
Twenty Six Wash near Chloride, Arizona, is a day use area with moderate solitude and decent scenery, where black bears may be encountered.

Near Chloride, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

The right gear turns potential problems into non-issues. Here's what Twenty Six Wash demands.

Essential

  • Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
  • Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
  • First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
  • Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
  • Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
  • Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
  • Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
  • Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

  • Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
  • Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
  • Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
  • Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
  • Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
  • Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
  • First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

  • Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
  • Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
  • Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.

Seasonal Gear

  • Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
  • Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Twenty Six Wash draws visitors for photography, but the 4 available activities mean there's more here than most expect.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

  • photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
  • picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
  • walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
  • wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

Awareness is the best safety tool at Twenty Six Wash. Here are the wildlife considerations for this area.

Danger rating: 40/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate
  • Bears present
  • Mountain lions
  • Venomous snakes
  • Far from city (69mi)
UV risk: high (Mid latitude (36N), Desert (exposed))
Photo score: 55/100
  • Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
  • 3 excellent meteor showers
  • Fall foliage
  • Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.

  • Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
  • Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
  • Make noise while hiking
  • Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
  • Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include . They're most active during warm months.

  • Watch where you step and place hands
  • Stay on trails
  • Wear boots and long pants in snake country
  • Do not reach under rocks or logs
  • If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
  • Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

6 bird species have been documented near Twenty Six Wash, alongside 2 mammals and a rich variety of native plants.

Wildflowers (1)

  • Las Vegas Bearpoppy
    Las Vegas Bearpoppy — Large white crinkled petals with bright yellow centers.

Shrubs (4)

  • Creosote Bush
    Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
  • Brittlebush
    Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
  • Eastern Joshua tree
    Eastern Joshua tree — Eastern Joshua tree is a branching yucca with rigid sword-like leaves.

Other Plants (5)

  • Buckhorn Cholla
  • Echinocereus bakeri
  • California Barrel Cactus
  • Beavertail Pricklypear
  • Mojave Yucca

Mammals (2)

  • Coyote
    Coyote — A medium-sized canid with gray-brown fur and bushy tail tipped in black.
  • Pronghorn
    Pronghorn — A slender tan-and-white ungulate with distinctive black facial markings.

Birds (6)

  • Great-tailed Grackle
    Great-tailed Grackle — Glossy black male with long tail
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove
    Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
  • American Kestrel
    American Kestrel — Rusty back
  • Common Raven
    Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
  • European Starling
    European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen

Reptiles (3)

  • Common Side-blotched Lizard
    Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
  • Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
    Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake — A medium rattlesnake with speckled gray or pink coloration.
  • Western Whiptail
    Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (4)

  • Relict Leopard Frog
    Relict Leopard Frog
  • Red-spotted Toad
    Red-spotted Toad
  • Woodhouse's Toad
    Woodhouse's Toad
  • Canyon Tree Frog
    Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (1)

  • Western Honey Bee
    Western Honey Bee

Nature Bingo at Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Botany Challenge

Twenty Six Wash, Mohave Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The weather at Twenty Six Wash follows a Unknown pattern — here's the monthly breakdown.

Climate type: Unknown

Month Avg Temp Precip
Jan 0°F 0.7 in
Feb 0°F 0.9 in
Mar 0°F 0.7 in
Apr 0°F 0.2 in
May 0°F 0.1 in
Jun 0°F 0.1 in
Jul 0°F 0.6 in
Aug 0°F 1.3 in
Sep 0°F 0.6 in
Oct 0°F 0.5 in
Nov 0°F 0.9 in
Dec 0°F 1.0 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 4:20 AM – 6:53 PM

Winter: 6:38 AM – 4:24 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:38 AM, Sunset 4:24 PM Golden hour from 3:45 PM
Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:20 AM, Sunset 6:53 PM Golden hour from 6:15 PM
Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:49 AM, Sunset 5:43 PM Golden hour from 5:09 PM
Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:18 AM, Sunset 5:45 PM Golden hour from 5:11 PM

Twenty Six Wash, Mohave Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Twenty Six Wash — here's the practical information you'll need.

From Las Vegas, Twenty Six Wash is a drive covering 69 miles.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (69 mi)
Estimated fuel cost: $17.21 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)
Carbon footprint: 55.6 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

  • Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
  • Families: excellent
  • Elderly: highly_suitable
  • Strollers: excellent (100/100)
  • Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20))
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)

Places Near Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

Here's what else is nearby if you want to expand your itinerary beyond Twenty Six Wash.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

Twenty Six Wash sits under Bortle class 3 skies — Rural sky for stargazing in Arizona.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

From Twenty Six Wash, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

  • Ursa Minor
    Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
  • Cassiopeia
    Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
  • Cepheus
    Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

  • Geminids
    Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)

    One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.

  • Quadrantids
    Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)

    This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.

  • Perseids
    Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)

    A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.

  • Eta Aquariids
    Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)

    Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.

  • Delta Aquariids
    Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)

    Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

  • Venus
    Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
  • Jupiter
    Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
  • Saturn
    Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
  • Mars
    Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

  • Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
  • Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
  • Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

  • Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
  • Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
  • Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
  • Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
  • Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
  • Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

  • Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  • Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Twenty Six Wash, Mohave

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Twenty Six Wash.

Twenty Six Wash is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character and highlights.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 3454ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Twenty Six Wash, Mohave Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Twenty Six Wash sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type
Holocene surficial deposits
Lithology
Major:{silt,clay}, Minor:{gravel,sand}
Age
Holocene

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites
74
Richness
Exceptional
Minerals Found
Gold, Silver, Sulfur-Pyrite, Lead, Zinc, Molybdenum, Arsenic, Copper

Endangered Species

Species at Risk
1478
ESA Endangered
29
ESA Threatened
16
Conservation Score
100/100

Wildfire History

This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.

Recorded Fires
7
Largest Fire
Element (5,364.4 acres)
Most Recent
2024
Fire Risk
High

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types
evaporite_basin
Karst Score
30

Watershed

Watershed
Cane Spring Wash-Truxton Wash
Water Quality (Good)
0%
Impaired
0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found
19
Largest
Red Dry Lake 003 (0.1 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings
1 (NUFORC)
Eeriness Score
2/100

Twenty Six Wash, Mohave Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check these official resources for current conditions at Twenty Six Wash before you go.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone
Nearest weather station: DOLAN SPRINGS 1.4 NNE, AZ US (6.94 mi)

Coordinates: 35.579224, -114.149683

Packing List Safety Guide ↑ Top
Twenty Six Wash
Arizona · 3,454 ft · Day Use Areas · 35.5792°N, -114.1497°W

Emergency Information

In case of emergency: Call 911

Nearest town: Chloride, AZ

Bear country — Store food properly, carry bear spray (Black Bear)

Venomous snakes present — Watch where you step ()