Bright Star Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by:
The Bureau of Land Management’s Ridgecrest Field Offce
Additional resources can be found on:
The Bright Star Wilderness was designated under the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. A relatively small wilderness encompassing only 9,520 acres of the southern transition ecosystems of the Sierra, the Bright Star protects much of the Kelso range. Although it lacks designated hiking trails visitors will enjoy true solitude and an incredible array of birdlife in this notable “Mojave-meets-Sierra” wilderness.
Varying from the pinon pine and juniper vegetation familiar in the Sierra to the brush, chaparral, and Joshua tree habitats of lower elevations, the Bright Star Wilderness juxtaposes its vegetation with a scattering of granite massifs. In the northwest portion the Kelso Mountains, which join the Piute Mountains outside the wilderness, split to create Cortez Canyon. Kelso Peak dominates the northeastern portion of the wilderness at 5,090 feet, its drainages flowing in every direction but west. Kelso Creek, the southern-most artery of the Kern River, is sheltered within the Bright Star Canyon as it flows between smooth and jagged granite blocks.
The Bright Star lies within the BLM’s Jawbone-Butterbredt Area of Critical Environmental Concern, protecting watersheds such as the Kelso Creek Sanctuary which are critical to migratory birds. Over 275 species of bird either live in or use the Jawbone/Butterbredt/Kelso Valley seasonally.
Enjoying the Bright Star Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
There is no maximum group size set for the Bright Star Wilderness.
Wilderness Permits
Wilderness permits are not required for day trips or overnight trips.
Campfires
Gathering wood for campfires, when permitted, is limited to dead and down materials. Live vegetation can not be cut. Why?
Pets
Pets are allowed, but please keep your pets under control at all times.
Other Considerations
Overnight camping is permitted for up to 14 days in the same location. After 14 days, campers must relocate at least 25 miles from their previous site.
Contact
Bureau of Land Management
Ridgecrest Field Office
300 S. Richmond Rd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Telephone: (760) 384-5400
