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Golden Valley Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Golden Valley Wilderness

The Golden Valley Wilderness is located in eastern California, not far from the Arizona and Nevada borders. The wilderness is also east of Bakersfield, California and about two and a half hours south of Death Valley National Park. The wilderness encompasses parts of the Lava and Almond Mountains, and it’s crisscrossed by beautiful desert valleys and dramatic canyons. The area is remote and rugged, so it’s generally quiet and free from crowds. This makes it an ideal place for native animals, and the area also displays abundant wildflowers during the spring, so it’s fantastic for photography enthusiasts.

Some dispersed camping is available in the Golden Valley Wilderness, particularly for backpackers. To find more RV-friendly BLM sites, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Hagen Canyon Nature Trail

Located in the nearby Hagen Canyon Nature Preserve, this trail is a great way to spot wildlife, and it also offers beautiful views of the area’s cliffs and rock formations.

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lone Ridge Trail

This gorgeous trail meanders through stark desert landscapes and offers excellent views.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Sheep Spring Trail

This trail leads to Sheep Spring, where hikers can view petroglyphs.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Five Fingers Trail

Located in the Owens Peak Wilderness, this trail passes around incredible rock formations and is an excellent way to view native desert plants.

Length: 2.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Owens Peak Trail

For beautiful views and a challenging climb, the Owens Peak Trail is a fantastic choice.

Length: 14.4 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

Hart Park spans several canals and lakes and is a great spot for fishing. Trout and catfish are common catches. Anglers can also head to Lake Ming, located near Bakersfield. The lake is also popular with water skiers and boaters. Fishing is only allowed from the shoreline, however.

Wildlife Viewing

The Golden Valley Wilderness is itself ideal for viewing wildlife. Its secluded location makes it a haven for nesting desert birds. Other commonly spotted species include desert tortoise, Mojave ground squirrels, hawks, eagles, kangaroo rats, coyotes, javelina, mule deer, bighorn sheep, snakes, and lizards. Visitors can also head to the Hagen Canyon Nature Preserve for more wildlife sighting opportunities.

Picnicking

The Cerro Coso Sculpture Garden and Park in nearby Ridgecrest is a fantastic spot for a picnic. The garden offers art exhibits and has picnic tables and grassy areas. Petroglyph Park features several incredible petroglyphs, and there are also shaded picnic areas and playgrounds dotted throughout the park’s 12 acres. Hart Park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and grills, too.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is one of the most popular ways to explore the Golden Valley Wilderness. Riders can also choose from many of the area’s local trails. Most trails, especially OHV trails, are ideal for horses, but check each trail’s designation and difficulty before heading out.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several options for BLM RV camping near the Golden Valley Wilderness. The Desert Empire RV Park offers monthly, weekly, and daily rates, and full hookups are available. A dump station is also available, and there are stalls if you travel with horses. The Orange Grove RV Park features extra-wide pull-through spots, each with a picnic table. The park also has restrooms, showers, and a laundry room.

Free Camping

You can enjoy peaceful, scenic Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Dove Springs OHV Area. The area, which is popular with off-roaders, hikers, horseback riders, and nature enthusiasts, is ideal for dispersed camping. However, there are no amenities in the area, so be sure to carry everything you might need, including food, a generator, first aid supplies, and plenty of water. Spangler Campsite also offers fantastic, secluded primitive camping, and the area provides beautiful views.

RV Rentals Near Golden Valley Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Golden Valley Wilderness BLM trip

Always check the weather before you head out on your Golden Valley Wilderness adventure. The area around the wilderness is arid, so most days are warm and dry. However, thunderstorms or rain showers can happen quickly. The area includes many canyons, and some narrow canyons can see flash floods, so steer clear of flood areas if there’s a chance of rain near or north of you.

In most federally designated wilderness areas, such as the Golden Valley Wilderness, motorized vehicles aren't permitted. Even mountain biking through the area isn't allowed. The only exception to this rule is wheelchair use. You may be able to camp in parking areas throughout the wilderness, but check the regulations before you decide on a location. You can usually camp for up to two weeks, but you must move your vehicle after that period.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

You can help protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, wilderness areas, and hiking trails by using common sense and following Leave No Trace practices. For example, you should always be cautious when starting fires. In California, you may need a campfire permit, and fires should only be started when the fire danger rating is low. It’s also important to pick up after yourself and properly dispose of any trash. Be polite to other visitors and share trails and camping areas. If you spot wildlife, observe it from a distance, and don’t take any plants, seeds, flowers, or any type of animal or insect home with you.

Golden Valley Wilderness Location

From Bakersfield, take the CA-58 E toward Mojave. Continue for about 55 miles before taking the ramp for the CA-14 N/Midland Trail. Turn left onto CA-14 N/Midland Trail and continue for 17.5 miles. Turn right on Redrock Randsburg Road and continue for 21.5 miles. Turn right onto US Highway 395, then continue onto Trona Road. Stay on Trona Road until it becomes Steam Well Road. Continue on Steam Well Road until you reach the wilderness.

Ready to visit Golden Valley Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.