Golden Trout Wilderness

Golden Trout Wilderness is a protected area spanning roughly 120,000 hectares in the Sierra Nevada mountains with changing landscapes of meadows, forests, and steep mountain slopes. The highest peaks reach nearly 13,000 feet and form a dramatic mountain landscape.

Congress protected this land in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System under Forest Service management. This action came as part of a broader effort to conserve wild mountain regions across America.

The trail system running through this area follows part of a famous long-distance hiking route across high elevations, with most days spent above 10,000 feet. Hikers share these paths with relatively few others, giving the place a remote and quiet character.

Overnight permits are required for camping, and reservations for available spots open at specific times six months in advance. It is best to plan ahead, as popular time slots fill quickly.

The area supports a rare fish species, the golden trout, which is California's state fish and occurs naturally in only a few streams here. This fish species was a key reason for protecting the region.

Location: Inyo County

Operator: US Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 36.30805,-118.30204

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57