Kiavah Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by:
Sequoia National Forest,
The Bakersfield BLM Office, and
The Ridgecrest BLM Office
Additional resources can be found on
Sequoia National Forest’s Wilderness Pages,
The Bakersfield BLM Office Wilderness Pages, and
The Ridgecrest BLM Office Wilderness Pages
Encompassing most of the eroded hills, canyons, and bajadas of the Scodie Mountains in the southern Sierra, the Kiavah Wilderness was protected in 1994 under the California Desert Protection Act. The Kiavah offers its guests solitude and unique scenery that blends the ecosystems of the Mojave desert with those of the Sierra. The Kiavah’s 88,290 acres receives a mere 10-15 inches of precipitation annually.
The Kiavah’s varied vegetation provides habitat for a broad range of migratory birds such as the rough-legged hawk, yellow-headed blackbird, gray-crowned rosy finch , and sage sparrow. The stark contrast of desert plants such as cactus, cresote bush, Joshua tree, burro bush, or Shadseale within a 100 yards of pinyon pine, juniper, canyon oak or grey pine is quite startling. The Kiavah’s bajadas – the foot slopes of desert mountains where eroded soil and rocks have accumulated – are home to yellow-eared pocket mice and a plethora of lizards as well as the raptors who prey on them.
This wilderness area is part of National Cooperative Land and Wildlife Management Area and the BLM Jawbone Butterbredt Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which was designated to protect outstanding wildlife and Native American Values.
Enjoying the Kiavah Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?
Wilderness Permits
Camping is permitted though limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from their previous site. Permits are not required for day or overnight use.
Campfires
Gathering wood for campfires is limited to dead and down materials. Live vegetation can not be cut. Why?
Pets
Domestic pets are allowed so long as they are under control and do not harass wildlife.
Other Considerations
- Horses are permitted, however, you may be required to carry weed-free feed.
- Removal, disturbance, or attempting to remove archaeological materials is a felony. Selling, receiving, purchasing, transporting, exchanging, or offering to do so is prohibited by law.
Contact
Bureau of Land Management
Bakersfield Field Office
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-6000
Bureau of Land Management
Ridgecrest Field Office
300 S. Richmond Road
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 384-5400
Sequoia National Forest
Cannell Meadow
Ranger District
PO Box 9
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-3781
