Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area

The Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area spans over 125,000 acres of federally protected backcountry in California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This is primitive, non-motorized terrain where you'll find remote desert and high-elevation landscapes suited to self-reliant exploration. Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to experience the area; expect solitude and the demands of wilderness travel where you carry everything you need and leave no trace of your passage.

Because this is a designated Wilderness, mechanized travel, motors, and roads are prohibited. You must travel on foot or horseback, camp outside established facilities, and adhere to Leave No Trace principles throughout your visit. Water sources are limited in desert wilderness, and weather can be severe at higher elevations. Access and seasonality depend on trailheads and weather; spring and fall typically offer the most stable conditions, though snow and cold can arrive early in winter at elevation.