Golden Valley Wilderness Area

Golden Valley Wilderness Area spans nearly 38,000 acres of federally protected backcountry in California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a non-motorized wilderness. The landscape offers primitive solitude for hikers and backpackers seeking to experience undeveloped terrain away from roads and mechanical travel.

Visiting means embracing true wilderness conditions: no motorized access, no mountain bikes, no mechanized equipment. The area operates under strict Leave No Trace principles, where visitors are responsible for minimal-impact travel and self-sufficiency. Water, weather, and terrain navigation demand solid backcountry skills and preparation.

Access depends on trailheads and parking outside the designated boundary. The remoteness that makes this wilderness valuable also means limited facilities nearby—plan accordingly with maps, supplies, and awareness of current conditions. This is a place for those committed to wilderness ethics and self-reliant backcountry travel.