Bright Star Wilderness

Bright Star Wilderness is a protected area in Kern County, California, covering roughly 8,190 acres with diverse terrain. The landscape includes Kelso Peak rising to about 5,090 feet and several drainages such as Bright Star Canyon and Cortez Canyon that shape the land.

The area was officially designated as a wilderness area through the California Desert Protection Act in October 1994 and added to the National Wilderness Preservation System. This designation marked an important step in protecting the natural resources of this region.

The wilderness protects a range of ecosystems where over 275 bird species find residence or migrate through the Jawbone, Butterbredt, and Kelso Valley areas.

Visitors can stay for a maximum of 14 days and must then relocate at least 25 miles from their previous camping location. Accessibility varies by season, with trails at higher elevations becoming more difficult to navigate during winter months.

The area brings together two contrasting ecosystems in close proximity: Joshua trees fill the valleys while pines and junipers inhabit the upper slopes. This transition creates varied habitats where hikers experience a shift from Mojave Desert-like vegetation to Sierra Nevada-style flora as they climb.