The California Desert Protection Act protected the Sacatar Trail Wilderness and its 51,900 acres in 1994. The actual Sacatar Trail, a broad 11-mile trail that bisects the area, originally allowed secure passage of wagon caravans to the eastern slope of the southern Sierra.
With few traces of human activity remaining, the Sacatar Wilderness is dissected into a number of valleys, canyons and alluvial fans which rise sharply into ridgetops and granite spires close to 8,000 feet high. Beginning with the grassy riparian habitats present amongst canyon springs, flora changes to creosote bush, Joshua tree and desert shrub vegetation and then to pinon, juniper, and cactus with high pockets of pine and fir dotting higher elevations.
WILDERNESS PERMITS
No permit is required for camping in the Sacatar Trail Wilderness - go for it! Camping is limited to 14 days, after which visitors 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 Sacatar Trail 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.
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
Ridgecrest Field Office
300 S. Richmond Road
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 384-5400