The Domeland Wilderness is located at the southern end of the Kern Plateau. This land was first protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as a 62,695 acre wilderness and was later expanded to 130,081 acres in 1984 to include the delicate transition ecosystems that meet to the east, south, and north of the original wilderness. These new additions, now jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Sequoia National Forest, are rugged and dry.
Though it is considered within the Sierra range, the Domeland Wilderness includes the overlap of several ecosystems to form unique plant and animal communities. The banks of the South Fork of the Kern River offer important riparian habitats of cottonwoods and meadows which stand in sharp contrast against the characteristic smooth domes and bold granite outcroppings.
Domes that range from the size of a cottage to football fields across and spear-like jagged spires can be found in the Domeland. This range is one of the driest in the Sierra with the semi-arid mountains of the north and east crumbling into desert.
WILDERNESS PERMITS
Permits are not required for day use or overnight trips. Overnight camping is permitted though limited to 14 days. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from their previous site.
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?
BEARS AND FOOD STORAGE
Black bears are generally not a problem in the Domeland Wilderness, but it is always advisable to store your food properly.
CAMPFIRES
Campfires are allowed with a campfire permit. Gathering wood for campfires is limited to dead and down materials. Live vegetation cannot be cut.
PETS
Domestic pets are allowed so long as they are under control and do not harass wildlife.
STOCK USE
Horses are permitted, however, you may be required to carry feed.
CONTACTS
Sequoia National Forest
Kern River Ranger District
P.O. Box 9
11380 Kernville Rd
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376 3781
Bureau of Land Management
Ridgecrest Field Office
300 S. Richmond Rd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Telephone: (760) 384-5400
Bakersfield Field Office
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-6000
Fax: (661) 391-6040