Kingston Range Wilderness Area

Kingston Range Wilderness Area encompasses over 266,000 acres of federally protected backcountry in California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a non-motorized wilderness. This is primitive terrain where hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to explore, and solitude is a defining feature of the experience.

Visiting means accepting wilderness rules: no roads, no motors, no mechanized travel of any kind. Leave No Trace principles apply throughout—pack out what you pack in, camp responsibly, and travel lightly on the land. Access is by foot only, which keeps the area remote and quiet. Water and camping spots are limited, so planning ahead is essential. The landscape is rugged and exposed; weather can change rapidly, and conditions vary widely by season and elevation.

Best visiting windows are typically spring through fall, though winter snow and extreme heat in summer months can make access difficult. Summer heat in particular can be severe. Check current conditions with the BLM before you go, and be prepared for a true wilderness experience with minimal infrastructure and no cell service.