Riverside Mountains Wilderness Area

Riverside Mountains Wilderness Area spans nearly 25,400 acres of federally protected backcountry in California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a non-motorized wilderness. The area offers solitude and primitive hiking and backpacking opportunities across a landscape of rugged desert terrain and open ridges. Access is on foot or horseback only—no roads, motors, or mechanized travel are permitted. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste, and respect the wilderness designation that protects this land from development. Water sources are limited and seasonal, so thorough planning and self-sufficiency are essential. The region's remoteness and lack of maintained trails mean navigation skills and experience are valuable assets.