Bighorn Mountain Wilderness

Overview

The north-central portion of this Wilderness area holds the rugged Bighorn Mountains and the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It presents a rare transition zone between the yucca- and Joshua tree-covered desert floor and stands of Jeffrey pine in the higher country.

The Bighorns lift all the way to 7,500 feet on Granite Peak. Mule deer, mountain lions, and bobcats make their homes here, and golden eagles soar in the bright skies. The intermittent creekbed through Rattlesnake Canyon travels northward and divides the Wilderness into distinct eastern and western sections.

Numerous resident and migratory birds are in abundance here. A third section lies to the southeast of the two larger sections. The three sections are separated by non-Wilderness corridors. The western portion of the western section reaches into San Bernardino National Forest.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Rules and Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.