About Sacatar Trail Wilderness
Sacatar Trail Wilderness, like Owens Peak Wilderness, includes the rugged, eastern face of the Sierra Nevada. Topography ranges from valleys, canyons, and alluvial fans to steep hills that lead into granite peaks and ridgetops reaching elevations of more than 7,800 feet. Several of the canyons are complemented by springs, which support the riparian habitats of cottonwoods, willows, and grasses. Wildlife within the area, including mule deer, golden eagles, prairie falcons, quails, and doves, can frequently be seen from hiking and horseback-riding trails. The Sacatar Trail, an old wagon road that is part of the scarce evidence of humans in this area, provides backcountry access into this wilderness.
How to Get There
For access to the Bakersfield Field Office portions of this Wilderness, turn west onto 9 Mile Canyon Road from highway 395 approximately 15 miles north of Indian Wells. Follow 9 mile Canyon Road approximately 11 miles to the BLM Chimney Peak Fire Station. Sacatar Trail Wilderness encompasses most of the public lands to the east of 9 Mile Canyon Road/ Kennedy Meadow Road. There are no trailheads for this section of the Wilderness.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Sacatar Trail Wilderness
Heading to Sacatar Trail Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sacatar Trail Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Sacatar Trail Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14782) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Sacatar Trail Wilderness?
For access to the Bakersfield Field Office portions of this Wilderness, turn west onto 9 Mile Canyon Road from highway 395 approximately 15 miles north of Indian Wells. Follow 9 mile Canyon Road approximately 11 miles to the BLM Chimney Peak Fire Station. Sacatar Trail Wilderness encompasses most of the public lands to the east of 9 Mile Canyon Road/ Kennedy Meadow Road. There are no trailheads fo…
How do I contact Sacatar Trail Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: 661-391-6000 or email: BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
