Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Piper Mountain Wilderness (map) in 1994 and it now has a total of 72,191 acres. All of this wilderness is located in California and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Piper Mountain Wilderness is bordered by the Sylvania Mountains Wilderness to the east.

Description

The Piper, Sylvania, and Inyo Mountains meet in Piper Mountain Wilderness. Alluvial fans cover large portions of the eastern side of the area. Wide, barren plains and dry hills form much of the landscape. The region is divided into three separate sections by non-Wilderness four-wheel-drive roads (along the seven miles of northeast-southwest Horse Thief Canyon, and north-south from Chocolate Mountain to the edge of Death Valley National Park). Sagebrush and piñon-juniper woodlands are the most common vegetation, though conifers grow in some of the higher elevations. Desert bighorn sheep live in at least three locations within this area. At the base of the Inyo Mountains, you'll discover one of the northernmost stands of Joshua trees.

Planning to Visit the Piper Mountain Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Bureau of Land Management
  • Ridgecrest Field Office

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Piper Mountain Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.