Dick Smith Wilderness

Dick Smith Wilderness is a 71,376-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 self-reliance define the experience.

This is true wilderness: no roads, no motors, no mechanized travel of any kind. Visitors must travel on foot or horseback, carrying everything they need. The wilderness operates under strict Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in, camp responsibly, and respect the land's fragile condition.

Access is limited by design. You'll need to arrange your own transport to trailheads and be prepared for a genuine backcountry experience with minimal infrastructure. Spring through fall offers the most practical visiting window, though weather and water availability vary significantly by season and elevation. This is a place for experienced backpackers and hikers comfortable with self-sufficiency and route-finding in remote terrain.