Dinkey Lakes Wilderness

Dinkey Lakes Wilderness is a 30,863-acre federally protected wilderness area in California managed by the Forest Service. It offers backcountry hiking and backpacking in a primitive, non-motorized landscape where solitude and undeveloped terrain are the defining features.

This is genuine wilderness: no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted. Visitors must travel on foot and camp in dispersed sites following Leave No Trace principles. The wilderness character means you'll encounter minimal infrastructure and few crowds—preparation and self-sufficiency are essential.

Access is seasonal, with snow closing higher elevations in winter and spring. Summer and early fall are the practical windows for backcountry travel. Plan ahead, carry maps and water, and respect the wilderness designation by packing out all waste and minimizing impact on the landscape.