Coso Range Wilderness

Coso Range Wilderness is a protected area featuring volcanic formations, open valleys, and washes with distinctive erosion patterns visible across the northern section. The terrain transitions between rocky slopes and open flats across thousands of acres.

The area was protected in 1994 through the California Desert Protection Act, preserving approximately 50,000 acres from future development. This legislation was a major effort to conserve large desert landscapes across California.

Indigenous peoples left petroglyphs carved into rocks throughout this area, showing that humans have inhabited this mountainous region for a very long time. These markings remain as silent records of the people who once moved through these valleys and washes.

Visitors should bring plenty of water and navigation tools since the area has no developed facilities or infrastructure. Sturdy footwear and basic orientation equipment are necessary for safely exploring this rugged landscape.

Joshua Flat, a plateau within the wilderness, offers wide views across the Sierra Nevada mountains and down into Owens Valley. This vantage point allows hikers to see two very different landscapes from a single location.