The wilderness is located in the Fish Creek Mountains region in the northern part of the Carrizo Impact Area, which is closed to the public.

The Fish Creek Mountains resemble a plateau rising as a great wall above the desert basin.

However, on closer examination, a rugged land of jagged ridges and peaks appears above twisting canyons and small valleys, creating a pristine natural environment.

Shielded from the sun's evaporating rays, water at the base of these chutes remains year-round serving wildlife as natural tanks.

The lake was a great body of freshwater once covering the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, receding 500 years ago.