Bighorn Mountain Wilderness is a wilderness area located in southern California, nestled within the rugged Bighorn Mountains and the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. This area presents a diverse landscape, transitioning from a desert floor covered in yucca and Joshua trees to higher elevations featuring stands of Jeffrey pine, with mountains reaching up to 7,500 feet. The terrain, encompassing both mountains and flat desert, provides opportunities for several sports like hiking and jogging, alongside unique features such as…
31
Routes
5
(3)
Average rating
59
People visited

5.46km
01:42
220m
10m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

3.59km
01:13
80m
60m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

2.70km
01:04
190m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

11.4km
03:52
480m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(1)
6
runners
6.18km
00:39
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
23.5km
03:45
950m
950m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

7
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
22.4km
02:35
350m
350m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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The Bighorn Mountain Wilderness is a protected area in southern California, situated within the Bighorn Mountains and the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. It spans 38,342 acres and features diverse terrain, from desert floors to higher elevations with Jeffrey pine stands. The area is managed by the San Bernardino National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.
The Bighorn Mountain Wilderness offers opportunities for various outdoor activities, primarily hiking and jogging. The undeveloped nature of the area provides a primitive wilderness experience for exploration. Komoot users have shared routes for both Hiking in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness and Running Trails in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness.
While the Bighorn Mountain Wilderness is largely undeveloped with no designated trails, its diverse terrain allows for varied hiking experiences. Some areas offer easier walks across desert plains. Komoot provides a guide specifically for Easy hikes in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness.
The wilderness is characterized by its diverse terrain, transitioning from yucca and Joshua tree desert to Jeffrey pine forests at higher elevations. Notable features include rich riparian springs, unique carbonate plant habitats, and the intermittent creekbed of Rattlesnake Canyon. Granite Peak reaches up to 7,500 feet within the Bighorn Mountains.
Bighorn Mountain Wilderness supports a variety of wildlife due to its diverse habitats. Resident and migratory birds are common, and larger mammals such as mule deer, mountain lions, and bobcats inhabit the area. Golden eagles are also observed soaring above the wilderness.
The Bighorn Mountain Wilderness is an undeveloped area with no designated campgrounds or trails. General entry permits are not explicitly stated as required for access. Visitors should consult the managing agencies for any specific activity-related regulations.
As an undeveloped wilderness area, there are no official designated trailheads or parking lots within the Bighorn Mountain Wilderness. Access points typically involve parking along existing roads or at the wilderness boundary. Visitors should research specific access points before their trip.
Routes in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness have received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from komoot users. More than 100 visitors have shared their experiences, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the outdoor activities available.
Komoot offers several guides for Bighorn Mountain Wilderness to assist with planning. These include Hiking in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness, Easy hikes in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness, and Running Trails in Bighorn Mountain Wilderness.
The Bighorn Mountain Wilderness is managed by the San Bernardino National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. The San Bernardino National Forest can be reached at +19093822790. The Bureau of Land Management (Barstow Field Office) can be contacted at 760-252-6000.
The Bighorn Mountain Wilderness was historically part of the territory of the Serrano Indians. They utilized the area for hunting and gathering plant foods, moving between mountain and desert villages seasonally. Descendants, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, continue to visit the mountains for traditional gathering activities.
The Bighorn Mountain Wilderness is primarily an undeveloped area. It does not feature designated campgrounds, trails, or picnic areas. This characteristic provides a primitive outdoor experience for visitors seeking solitude and natural exploration.

