The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 33,610 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
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.
Leave No Trace principles:
Regulations:
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
35 miles south of Borrego Springs, CA. Although State Route 2 winds along the northern side of the wilderness, there is no legal access due to private lands along the boundary. The only access is from the Pepperwood Height Trail at the end of the McCain Valley. To reach this trailhead, exit Interstate 8 at the Manzanita Boulevard exit, follow State Route 94 east to McCain Valley, and follow this road 13 miles to Cottonwood Campground.