Wilderness Area · CA

Owens Peak Wilderness

Owens Peak Wilderness is a stunning natural area boasting dramatic cliffs, diverse plant life, and rich wildlife, perfect for adventurous hiking and camping experiences.

Wilderness Area74,0604+ Trails

1994WILDERNESS AREA

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

74,060

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Owens Peak Wilderness

Owens Peak Wilderness is a stunning natural area boasting dramatic cliffs, diverse plant life, and rich wildlife, perfect for adventurous hiking and camping experiences.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Owens Peak Wilderness covers approximately 74,000 acres within the southern part of the Sierra Nevada in California. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain, dominated by Owens Peak, which rises to 8,445 feet, offering mesmerizing vistas. The ecology features a mix of pinyon pine and juniper woodlands as well as chaparral. Wildlife thrives, with species such as the desert tortoise and the golden eagle. Historically, the area has been home to native peoples and offers archaeological insights into past inhabitants. Visitors are drawn to its extensive trail systems, rock formations for climbing, and opportunities for solitude. Notable landmarks like the rugged canyons and panoramic overlooks make it a trekker's paradise.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Owens Peak Wilderness

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Owens Peak offers commanding views of the desert valley.✦ The region is home to endangered species like the desert tortoise.✦ Climbers find technical routes in the area's granite formations.✦ Remote backcountry camping offers a true wilderness experience.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Owens Peak Wilderness

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Owens Peak Wilderness

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Owens Peak Wilderness

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Owens Peak Wilderness

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Owens Peak Wilderness

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Owens Peak Wilderness

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Owens Peak Wilderness.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, no permits required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Owens Peak Wilderness

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Backcountry Sites

Dispersed sites throughout the wilderness, offering solitude and scenic settings.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Owens Peak Wilderness

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 9.62 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Pearsonville, California

Pearsonville is a quiet desert town that serves as a launch point for hiking, off-road biking, and camping in the stunning Mojave Desert. Its remote location offers solitude, starry nights, and access to Red Rock Canyon’s unique formations.

Fall to Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 11.18 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Inyokern, California

Inyokern, CA is a gateway to outdoor adventure in the Eastern Sierra. Explore desert hikes, starry nights, and the high desert's rugged beauty for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Fall and Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 12.89 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Onyx, California

Onyx is a tranquil desert town perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With its proximity to the Kern River and the Southern Sierra, it's ideal for hiking, fishing, and rafting adventures.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 16.38 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Little Lake, California

Little Lake, CA offers quiet access to high desert and volcanic landscapes, perfect for hiking, fishing, paddling, and exploring protected wilderness. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking solitude and scenic natural beauty.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 16.86 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Weldon, California

Weldon, CA is an adventurer's hidden gem. With the wild Kern River, sprawling forest, and abundant wildlife, it's an ideal spot for hiking, fishing, and serene escapades.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 19.28 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Ridgecrest, California

Ridgecrest offers a diverse range of outdoor adventures from off-roading to stargazing. With stunning landscapes and nearby landmarks like the Trona Pinnacles, it's an ideal spot for desert exploration.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Owens Peak Wilderness

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Two Seats, One Massive Desert: Driving 1.5 Million Acres of Mojave from Cantil

ADVEXPEDITION

Cantil, California

ATV/UTVADV Bookable

Two Seats, One Massive Desert: Driving 1.5 Million Acres of Mojave from Cantil

A 2–7 day two-seater UTV rental with Mojave Offroad Adventures that opens navigation of 1.5 million acres of desert trails—this guide focuses on vehicle specs, essential gear, and what to expect on the route.

ATV/UTVPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lickety Split Rafting: Kern River’s punchy, family-ready Class II–III run

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Lickety Split Rafting: Kern River’s punchy, family-ready Class II–III run

A 1–1.5 hour Class II–III rafting trip on the Kern River, run March–August, this guide distills what to expect, what to bring, and who it suits.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lickety Blaster: Two Runs on the Kern That Let You Learn by Doing

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Lickety Blaster: Two Runs on the Kern That Let You Learn by Doing

A 2–3 hour Kern River rafting trip out of Kernville that runs March–August and puts you through the Lickety Split twice so you can refine your lines on real rapids.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Upper Kern Full‑Day Class IV: Run the river’s best sections above Isabella Lake

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Upper Kern Full‑Day Class IV: Run the river’s best sections above Isabella Lake

A 6–8 hour, full‑day Class III–IV rafting trip out of Kernville; this guide explains what to expect, what to pack, and how to plan your day on the Upper Kern.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Punching Through Class IV: A Half-Day on the Upper Kern

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Punching Through Class IV: A Half-Day on the Upper Kern

A focused half-day run through the Upper Kern’s Class III–IV rapids above Isabella Lake, useful for planning gear, fitness and timing for this Sierra South Mountain Sports outing.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Cannell Plunge: 8,038 Feet of Relentless Descent on a Legendary Sierra Singletrack

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

Bike TourADV Bookable

Cannell Plunge: 8,038 Feet of Relentless Descent on a Legendary Sierra Singletrack

A shuttle-serviced, expert-only mountain-bike descent near Kernville covering 25.5 miles and massive elevation loss—this guide prepares riders for the trail’s scale, terrain, and essential logistics.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Full Day of Currents, Classrooms, and a Merit Badge in Kernville

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

A Full Day of Currents, Classrooms, and a Merit Badge in Kernville

A one-day, instructional whitewater program for Boy and Girl Scout troops that teaches river safety, hydrodynamics, and navigation and concludes with a verbal quiz for the whitewater merit badge.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lower Kern Half‑Day: Four Splashy Miles of Beginner Whitewater

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Lower Kern Half‑Day: Four Splashy Miles of Beginner Whitewater

A 3–4 hour, beginner‑friendly rafting run on the Lower Kern (Class II–III) that delivers splashy rapids, scenic riverbanks and chances to cool off during the May–September season.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Days on the Lower Kern: From Cottonwood Corridors to a Class IV Roar

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Two Days on the Lower Kern: From Cottonwood Corridors to a Class IV Roar

A two-day, 21-mile overnight rafting run that moves from gentle Class II warm-ups to adrenaline-charged Class IV drops — this guide distills what to expect, what to pack, and who should go.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Charge the Lower Kern: a full-day Class III–IV descent through narrow canyons and massive boulders

ADVEXPEDITION

Kernville, California

RaftingADV Bookable

Charge the Lower Kern: a full-day Class III–IV descent through narrow canyons and massive boulders

A 6–8 hour, 13‑river‑mile run out of Kernville with hearty deli‑style lunch — this guide lays out what to expect, who fits the trip, and the practical details to arrive ready.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Desert Dusk: An Evening ATV Through Cantil’s Mining Scars and Starlit Mojave

ADVEXPEDITION

Cantil, California

ATV/UTVADV Bookable

Desert Dusk: An Evening ATV Through Cantil’s Mining Scars and Starlit Mojave

A 3–3.5 hour evening off‑road ride out of Cantil that times the trail for sunset, visits historic mine sites and finishes under Mojave dark skies—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

ATV/UTVPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four-Seat Mojave UTV Rentals: Days of Open Desert and Raw Machinery

ADVEXPEDITION

Cantil, California

ATV/UTVADV Bookable

Four-Seat Mojave UTV Rentals: Days of Open Desert and Raw Machinery

A 2–7 day self-driven UTV rental through parts of the Mojave’s 1.5 million-acre trail network — this guide explains what to expect, what to pack, and how the vehicles are equipped for desert runs.

ATV/UTVPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip