Chocolate Mountains
Mountains Desert mountain range in southeastern California
A desert mountain range in southeastern California extending toward the Salton Sea and Arizona border. The area includes military gunnery ranges; travelers note its arid geology and wide horizons.
The Chocolate Mountains are a desert mountain range in southeastern California characterized by arid, rocky hills and sparse vegetation.
A significant portion of the range is occupied by the Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range, an active training area used by the U.S. military, which restricts public access to large sections of the mountains.
The range lies in the border region of southeastern California and is part of the broad Sonoran-Mojave transition zone of desert terrain.
- Access restrictions: Large swathes of the range are an active military training area, so access is controlled and much of the landscape is remote and undeveloped.
What to See #
- Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range: An extensive military training area used for aerial gunnery and range exercises; public access is restricted and many parts are off-limits.
How to Get to Chocolate Mountains #
The range stretches across remote desert; the most common approach routes are from roads off State Route 78 or from access points near Blythe and the Salton Sea. Due to military use, check local Department of Defense notices and Bureau of Land Management advisories before visiting.
Tips for Visiting Chocolate Mountains #
- Much of the range is on Department of Defense land - check access restrictions and avoid marked restricted zones.
- Observe posted signage; unmarked munitions and military activities have been reported in parts of the range.
- Best time for sightseeing along public roads is late winter and spring when heat is milder and desert colors are clearer.
Best Time to Visit Chocolate Mountains #
Avoid hot summer months; winter and spring offer safer, more comfortable conditions and better visibility.
Weather & Climate near Chocolate Mountains #
Chocolate Mountains's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 39°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 39°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
