Coso Range Wilderness Area

Coso Range Wilderness Area spans over 52,000 acres of remote backcountry in California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as federally protected Wilderness. The area offers solitude and untrammeled landscape for those seeking primitive outdoor experience far from developed infrastructure.

This is strict wilderness: no roads, motorized vehicles, or mechanized travel are permitted. Visitors come for hiking and backpacking on foot, with the expectation of self-reliance and Leave No Trace ethics. Access requires physical preparation and backcountry competence. The landscape is rugged desert and semi-arid terrain where water and shade are scarce resources that demand careful planning.

Visit during cooler months when temperatures moderate. Spring and fall are most forgiving for backcountry travel here. Summer heat in the lower elevations can be severe, while winter brings cold nights and occasional snow at higher elevations. Come equipped for self-sufficiency: carry adequate water, navigation tools, and supplies. There are no maintained trails, facilities, or ranger services within the Wilderness—you are entirely on your own.