Avi Kwa Ame National Monument (Spirit Mountain)

Avi Kwa Ame — “rock house” in the Mojave language — is what most folks have called Spirit Mountain for generations. This 506,814-acre chunk of sacred Mojave Desert became America’s newest National Monument in 2023, protecting the spiritual heart of ten local tribes. The mountain itself rises to 5,639 feet and serves as a creation point in Mojave, Chemehuevi, and Paiute traditions.

For overlanders, this rugged landscape offers serious backcountry exploration through classic Mojave terrain — Joshua tree forests, volcanic ridges, and desert washes that’ll test your rig and navigation skills. The monument spans both sides of the Colorado River, with the main peak accessible via rough desert roads from Searchlight, Nevada. No developed facilities here — bring everything you need including plenty of water. The area connects to other major desert routes and makes a worthy addition to any serious Mojave expedition.

Respect is paramount here. This isn’t just another pretty desert mountain — it’s actively sacred to local tribes. Stay on established roads, pack out everything, and understand you’re traveling through someone’s cathedral.