The rocky outcrops that define the Black Hills Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) are all that remains of an eroded dome of volcanic tuff, formed 4-7 million years ago near today’s Christmas Valley, Oregon. Covered with hardy, low-growing plants, this high desert ecosystem hosts 3 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Special Status Species of plants: Cusick’s buckwheat, Warner Mountain bedstraw, and snowline cymopteris.
The site offers great hiking, wildflower viewing, photography, and wildlife viewing. Watch for bobcats, coyotes, golden eagles, pronghorn antelope, and many other large and small mammals, birds, and reptiles who call the Black Hills home.
Know Before You Go
- Open Season Black Hills ACEC is open year round.
- Day use only.
- The access road should only be used by 4-wheel drive vehicles.
- No Water or Restrooms available.
- No Camping allowed.
- Rock and Boulder Climbing and Rappelling are prohibited.
- Geocaching is prohibited.
The area is closed to wood and plant collecting, though scientific plant collection and research permits are available at the Lakeview BLM Office.
The Nearest Services are in Christmas Valley, Oregon.
Point of Interest
The Black Hills interpretive site is a popular starting point for day hiking and photography. Accessible by foot or 4WD vehicle, it includes a parking area, fencing, and an interpretive sign.
