Golden Trout Wilderness

This Wilderness is managed by:

The Inyo National Forest and
The Sequoia National Forest

Additional resources can be found on:

The Inyo Forest Wilderness Pages and
The Sequoia Forest Wilderness Pages

The Golden Trout Wilderness covers 303,287 acres, with one-third of this area lying within Sequoia National Forest and the remaining two-thirds sprawling eastward into Inyo National Forest. The Golden Trout, officially protected for the public in 1978, is a land of extensive forests and meadows, and high rugged summits. The Golden Trout Wilderness has supported native populations of golden trout (California’s state fish) for thousands of years in the drainages of the Upper Kern River.

The Golden Trout Wilderness contains all of the Little Kern River’s drainage as well as the North and South Fork of the Kern River plus 117 miles of streams; the Golden Trout Wilderness is a true trout haven. However, golden trout populations have dwindled throughout the state and in the area due to predation and interbreeding from the non-native European brown trout. Pure populations of golden trout inhabit fewer than 10 miles of streams in the area. The local Little Kern golden trout and the Volcano Creek golden trout are classified as threatened while the endemic South Fork Kern golden trout, rainbow trout, from which golden trout evolved, and western sucker and squawfish are more abundant.

The abundance of trout and diversity of terrain attracts various endangered birds of prey as well as many mammals and reptiles; bear, mule deer, coyote, raccoon, bobcat, marten, fox, skunk, weasel are all relatively abundant as are lizards and snakes in the central and southern portions. The forests of the Golden Trout vary depending on the geography and elevation; climbing from 4,700 feet to 12,432 feet one finds in ascending order chaparral, varied oaks, digger, pinon, and Jeffrey pine, red fir and juniper, lodgepole, western white, and foxtail pine that climb up to the treeline.

Enjoying the Golden Trout Wilderness

Maximum Group Size

No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?

Wilderness Permits

Permits are required for all overnight trips. Why? A quota is in effect for the Cottonwood Pass Trail in the Golden Trout Wilderness. This quota applies to all overnight visitors, whether you use the services of a commercial outfitter/guide or not. This quota remains in effect from the last Friday in June through September 15.

For more information about entering the Golden Trout Wilderness through Sequoia National Forest visit the Sequoia Forest’s Permit Information Page

For more information about entering the Golden Trout Wilderness through Inyo National Forest visit the Inyo Forest’s Permit Information Page

Bears and Food Storage

The Inyo National Forest has a forest order that was signed into effect on July 25, 1997. The order is effective within the Golden Trout Wilderness as well as the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, Boundary Peak, Inyo Mountains and South Sierra Wilderness areas of the forest. It prohibits possessing or storing any food or refuse unless stored in a bear-proof container or in another manner designed to keep bears from gaining access to the food or refuse. The National Forests recommend bear-resistant canisters and panniers as the best methods of food storage in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Why?

Campfires

Campfires are discouraged anywhere above 9,000 feet. Campfire permits are required. Why?

Pets

Dogs are allowed in the Golden Trout Wilderness Areas.

Here are a few good reasons to leash your dog:

• Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from wilderness hazards such as porcupines, mountain lions, and sick, injured or rabid animals.
• Unleashed dogs may intimidate other hikers and their dogs, depriving them of a peaceful wilderness experience.
• Unleashed dogs may harass, injure and sometimes kill wildlife.
• A leashed dog’s keen senses can enhance your awareness of nearby wildlife or other visitors.

Other Considerations

Set up camp at least 200 feet from water.

Contact

Inyo National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 873-2400
TDD (760) 873-2538

Sequoia National Forest
Supervisor’s Office
1839 South Newcomb St.
Porterville, CA 93257
559-784-1500
TTY 559-781-6650