Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area
Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area
Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area is a protected region in eastern San Diego County, California, encompassing 32,136 acres of distinctive desert landscapes. The terrain features ridges extending eastward from the Laguna Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 5,600 feet, giving way to desert alluvial fans. This diverse environment, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, supports a transition from dense chaparral to low desert creosote brush, offering varied settings for outdoor pursuits like hiking.
6
Routes
11
People visited

3
hikers
3.31km
00:57
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

40.2km
10:36
270m
500m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

24.3km
06:22
180m
180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
3.17km
00:55
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area is a protected region in eastern San Diego County, California. It spans 32,136 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The area features diverse desert landscapes, including ridges and alluvial fans.
The primary outdoor activity available in the Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area is hiking. The area offers opportunities for challenging recreational activities and solitude. Hiking is permitted throughout the wilderness area.
The area features ridges extending eastward from the Laguna Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 5,600 feet (427 to 1,707 meters). These ridges transition into desert alluvial fans in valleys such as Vallecito Valley. The vegetation includes dense chaparral at higher elevations and low desert creosote brush.
Wildlife in the area includes San Diego horned lizards, spotted bats, and willow flycatchers. Various raptors, such as golden eagles, prairie falcons, and Cooper's hawks, are also present. Peninsular bighorn sheep are transient visitors to the region.
One notable access point for hiking is the Pepperwood Height Trail. This trail offers approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) of relatively easy foot or horse access. The varying elevations and diverse plant life provide a dynamic environment for exploration.
A komoot guide titled Hiking in Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area provides detailed information on routes and terrain. This guide can assist in planning outdoor activities within the region.
Elevations within the Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area range from 1,400 feet (427 meters) to 5,600 feet (1,707 meters). This significant elevation change contributes to the diverse landscapes and vegetation zones found in the area.
More than 10 visitors have shared their experiences in the Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area on komoot. This indicates a level of community engagement with the region's outdoor offerings.
The vegetation transitions from dense chaparral at higher elevations to low desert creosote brush in lower areas. Over 200 identified plant species are present, with some considered for threatened or endangered status.
The Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This agency oversees the protection and recreational use of the wilderness study area.
Official information about the Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area is available on the Bureau of Land Management's website. The official webpage for the Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness (California) provides details about the area.
For inquiries regarding the Sawtooth Mountains C Wilderness Study Area, the Bureau of Land Management's El Centro Field Office can be contacted. The phone number for the office is +1-760-337-4400.

