California Wilderness Areas: the most amazing places to visit

The USA is full of diverse landscapes and stunning wilderness. One of the best states for immersing yourself in the natural beauty of America is California, with 149 different wilderness areas that cover millions of acres. There is no shortage of places to explore nature there!

Whether you want to hike, camp, swim, canoe, kayak, walk, ski, snowboard, birdwatch, mountain bike, rock climb, mountaineer, or just drive around and admire the scenery, Cali is packed with things to see and do.

As the USA’s third largest state, California is incredibly diverse and varied in terms of its wilderness. So if you’re a traveler who loves to explore nature, consider a visit to this gorgeous state.

Within the various California Wilderness Areas, you can find everything from dry, rugged, otherworldly deserts to snowy mountains and lush forests with tumbling waterfalls.

What is a wilderness area?

A wilderness area can be defined in many ways, but it is essentially an area where the preservation of nature is the main priority. 

Within wilderness areas in California, USA, the ecosystems and landscapes within their borders are protected by various rules and regulations. This helps minimize human impact on the land and keep the wilderness as wild and pure as possible.

California’s wilderness can be categorized into many different labels, including national parks, state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas. There is much overlap between all of these terms.

Wilderness areas tend to encompass broader areas, and you will often enter parts of national and state parks within these areas.

Whether you are in a wilderness area or one of the many parks in California, make sure to follow all the rules, respect the land and its wildlife, and leave the landscape as beautiful and untouched as it was when you arrived.

10 Best California wilderness areas

Because there are so many beautiful California wilderness areas, it can be hard to choose which ones to visit! Though each place offers something special, here is a quick overview of some of the state’s most popular and most beloved wilderness areas.

Some areas are huge, so try to dedicate at least a few days or even a few weeks or months to exploring all that Cali has to offer. A great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and travel slower is by trying a work exchange!

There are lots of highly rated work exchanges in California where you can work for accommodation. That way you can save money, befriend the locals, and get to know the area more in-depth.

So, while listing some of the best wilderness areas in the region, we'll also include some nearby work exchanges that can help you have a more unique, affordable, and memorable travel experience.

1. Yosemite Wilderness

At 1,200 square miles, Yosemite Wilderness is packed full of stunning natural beauty. There are deep valleys, flower-filled meadows, dense forests, granite boulders, waterfalls, wildlife, and more. Yosemite Wilderness Area is also home to Yosemite National Park, which is one of the most famous parks in all of North America.

Travelers flock to Yosemite to hike, camp, rock climb, star-gaze, and explore the outdoors. Most tourists linger around Yosemite Valley, where you always need reservations for staying overnight because lodgings and campgrounds can sell out. Half Dome is one of the most popular hikes, and El Capitan is a famous granite rock face that is popular for climbing. 

The area is also home to a number of impressive glaciers, with Lyell and Maclure being particular points of interest. In Yosemite, you can also find Vernal Falls and Yosemite Falls, the latter of which is the highest waterfall in North America!

Yosemite is one of our favorite places in the US, get to know the rest!

2. Otay Mountain Wilderness

Another diverse and unique California Wilderness Area is the Otay Mountain Wilderness, located in the San Isidro Mountains. At just 12 miles east of Otay Mesa near San Diego, this wilderness area near the US/Mexico Border in Southern California is just a short drive from the city. 

In this magnificent wilderness area, you can find rugged mountain peaks that showcase ancient volcanic activity. With steep canyons, fertile volcanic soils, and a diverse range of plants, there is so much to see here. Wild animals are also abundant, and you may spot mountain lions, bighorn sheep, or bald eagles.

For an interesting work exchange experience, volunteer at a hostel in San Diego! Located in downtown near Balboa Park, this hostel needs volunteers to help with outdoorsy tasks like gardening and general handyman activities. On your days off, head out to the Otay Truck Trail to venture out into the Otay Mountain Wilderness!

3. Joshua Tree Wilderness

Another one of the most popular and well-known California wilderness areas is Joshua Tree Wilderness. About 85% of the famous Joshua Tree National Park is a designated wilderness area to ensure the landscape remains pure. 

Located in Southeast California, this area showcases the best of the Mohave Desert. From snow in the high elevations, to wildflowers in the spring, to the twisted trees and stark desert landscapes, this is a truly special place.

Within the four visitor centers, lengthy hiking trails, historic monuments, archaeological sites, and cultural sites, you can uncover a lot about the nature and history of this fascinating area. Remnants of human civilizations in the Joshua Tree area date back 4,000 to 8,000 years ago. You can see stone artifacts and cultural sites that reflect the lifestyle of various nomadic groups that roamed this corner of America in ancient times.

4. Ventana Wilderness Area

Located near the Pacific Coast in Central California, the Ventana Wilderness Area encompasses a diverse range of flora and fauna. Easily accessible from tourist areas like Santa Cruz, Big Sur, and even San Francisco a bit further north, spending a few days in the Ventana Wilderness Area will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Full of towering coastal redwood trees, 200 miles of hiking trails, and the canyons, valleys, and peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains, this lush wilderness area is well worth a visit. The highest peak in the area is Junipero Serra Peak which stands at over 5,000 feet, and you can also find the largest population of mountain lions in the country here!

Try this beautiful work exchange if you want to live and work immersed in nature! There is a sustainable homestead near Santa Cruz where you can help with farming and gardening in exchange for a free stay near the beach and the forest.

5. Death Valley Wilderness

With over 3 million acres of vast and unique natural landscapes, Death Valley is another one of the coolest California Wilderness Areas. It is the largest USA national park (not including Alaska), and it is home to some of the wildest desert scenery in the state. 

With canyons, mountains, sand dunes, salt flats, and more, this rugged and remote area has almost a thousand miles of roads that allow tourists to access the wilderness.

The best time to visit Death Valley is during the cooler months between October and April. March and April are particularly beautiful because it’s wildflower season! Avoid visiting in the summer because temperatures can easily soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Death Valley actually holds the world record for the highest record temperature: 134 degrees Fahrenheit!

A highlight of Death Valley Wilderness is Badwater Basin, home to miles and miles of gleaming white salt flats. Though this location sits at 282 feet below sea level, Death Valley’s highest point is Telescope Peak which sits at just over 11,000 feet above sea level. 

In addition to natural features, the area shows evidence of Native American cultures that thrived in the past. You can also find abandoned mining sites and ghost towns left behind from the California Gold Rush of the 1800s.

6. Desolation Wilderness

Another one of the most beautiful California Wilderness Areas is Desolation Wilderness. Located just west of Lake Tahoe near the border with Nevada, this lush area includes the northern peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and the majority of the stunning Eldorado National Forest. 

Known for its many lakes, meadows, hiking trails, and wildlife (including an impressive black bear population), Desolation Wilderness is the perfect place to get outside and soak in California’s natural beauty.

Camping and hiking are the two most popular activities here. You need permits for both activities as only a limited number of people are allowed on the trails and campsites, so make sure you plan your adventure in advance. With many waterfalls, streams, over 130 lakes, and lots of tree cover, the landscape is damp and moist, meaning there are lots of plants and animals that thrive here!

Make the most of your time by volunteering at a friendly hostel near South Lake Tahoe. This hostel needs help with cleaning and reception, and you can enjoy water activities on the lake as well as adventures into the Desolation Wilderness Area in your free time.

7. Nopah Range Wilderness Area

Southeast of Death Valley National Park there lies another unique California Wilderness Area. Nopah Range Wilderness Area contains over 100,000 acres of protected wilderness and lies near the border of Nevada. Composed of the Nopah Range mountain peaks and vast plains and deserts, the dramatic scenery here is magical.

Though the landscape may appear stark, with little vegetation, steep mountains, and dry deserts, the Nopah Range Wilderness Area is actually rich with life. Wild horses, bighorn sheep, and tortoises roam the plains whereas eagles and falcons monitor the skies. 

Up in the higher elevations, you can find a variety of trees, and there are some lovely campgrounds, hiking trails, and horseback trails awaiting travelers here. To have a deeper cultural experience in this area, volunteer at an eco-village in Tecopa and work as a handyman!

8. John Muir Wilderness

The John Muir Wilderness Area is one of the largest wilderness areas in California at 650,000 acres. Within this massive space, you can find colossal snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and valleys, impressive glaciers, and an abundance of flora and fauna. 

Ideal for hiking and rock climbing, The John Muir Wilderness Area snakes through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and provides travelers with endless opportunities for adventure. Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the area and is the best hike to try if you're looking for a challenge.

The wilderness area is, of course, named after John Muir, an influential naturalist and writer in the USA. Muir was an avid supporter of conservation, and he often wrote about the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting it. He is sometimes referred to as “The Father Of Our National Parks”, and his home area of the Sierra Nevadas became named the John Muir Wilderness Area in 1964.

9. San Gabriel Wilderness

Located near the famous city of Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Wilderness is one of the most easily accessible wilderness areas from the city. Encompassing parts of the Angeles National Forest, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the San Gabriel River, the lush natural beauty here is perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, deer, foxes, and other forest animals, and definitely take some time to admire the vast landscapes.

Popular things to do in the San Gabriel Wilderness include fishing, camping, rock climbing, and hiking. There are three main hiking trails: the Bear Creek Trail, Devils Canyon Trail, and Mount Waterman Trail. Permits are not required for camping, though you can’t camp near the water and campfires are not allowed.

The best way to plan a visit here is to base yourself in LA and venture out here in your free time. Consider a homestay where you can live with locals and help them with various projects. Befriending a local is the best way to learn about the area and ensure you are fully prepared for a trip to the wilderness.

10. Phillip Burton Wilderness

Last on our list of the best California Wilderness Areas is the Phillip Burton Wilderness. This magical coastal land is known for being part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, which is a nature reserve and one of the best parks in Northern California. At just a one-hour drive from San Francisco, and a 2-hour drive from Sacramento, the state capital, it’s very convenient and easy to plan a trip here.

The Phillip Burton Wilderness is packed with amazing things to see. Full of remote beaches, coastal grasslands, beautiful forests, and thriving estuaries and marshes, this nature reserve near the Pacific Ocean is teeming with wildlife on land, in the air, and in the sea. Whale watching and bird watching are both excellent here, and a visit to the Point Reyes Lighthouse provides you with lovely views of the coast. 

The Phillip Burton Wilderness is named after the congressman who was a key player in passing the 1984 California Wilderness Act which continues to protect the environment to this day.

California Wilderness Areas Wrap Up

We hope you enjoyed reading about these 10 stunning California wilderness areas! But this is just an overview, as there is so much more wilderness to explore around the Golden State.

If you’re a nature lover, California is one of the best states to visit. From mountains, lakes, and forests to waterfalls, deserts, canyons, salt flats, and more, Cali is a diverse state packed with amazing things to see and do.

And don’t forget to consider a work exchange if you want to enhance your experience in California! Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to create new relationships with locals and other travelers through volunteering. You can learn new skills, practice existing ones, and give back to the community. Work exchanges are a great way to travel slowly and experience a place more in-depth.

Check out our full list of California work exchanges here!

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