Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
Yes
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area that encompasses 303,511-acres of the Sierra Nevada. It is located within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest and is managed by the United States Forest Service. 

The wilderness protects an important habitat of the Golden Trout fish. The Golden Trout is an exclusively native fish of California, was originally found in the streams of the Kern River headwaters, and has been the state fish of California since 1947. 

Golden Trout Wilderness is characterized by lush meadows, pine forests, and pristine lakes. It features portions of the Kern Plateau, the Great Western Divide, and the Kern River. 

There are 379 miles of trails within the area, including 25 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, a national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada.

RECREATION

Popular recreation activities include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, and snowshoeing

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Cirque Peak (12,900’) is the high point of the area and a fairly easy scramble for peak baggers. 

  • Jordan Hot Springs, a series of remote, thermal mineral springs that can be accessed via the Jordan Hot Springs Trail. 

PERMITS AND CAMPING

Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping in the Golden Trout Wilderness and can be obtained through www.recreation.gov

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=21878

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Hot Springs. Lush Meadows. Golden Trout.

Cons

Mosquitos in the summer.

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Fishing
Horseback riding
Wildflowers
Near lake or river

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.