Overview

The Sacatar Trail, an old wagon road and one of the few reminders that humans ever traveled regularly through this area, provides relatively easy access into this rugged and pristine Wilderness on the eastern slope of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Valleys, canyons, and alluvial fans rise into steep hills that eventually peak along ridge tops and granite summits with elevations of more than 7,800 feet. Creosote bush, Joshua trees, and desert shrubs in the lower elevations change to scattered piñon and juniper woodlands dotted with cactuses higher up.

In several of the canyons, you’ll find springs that feed riparian habitats of cottonwoods, willows, and grasses. Mule deer flourish, along with golden eagles, prairie falcons, and other raptors, as well as game birds such as quail and dove. The Pacific Crest Trail passes not far to the west outside the boundary.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Rules and Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Explore Nearby

• Sequoia National Forest — National Forest in California
• Lake Isabella — State Park in Washington
• Red Rock Canyon State Park — State Park in Oklahoma
• Death Valley National Park Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in California
• Inyo National Forest — National Forest in California, Nevada