Domeland Wilderness – California’s Granite Wilderness
The Domeland Wilderness, spanning 94,695 acres in the southeastern Kern Plateau at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, is known for its dramatic granite domes and unique geological formations. The area provides diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.
With elevations ranging from 3,000 to 9,730 feet, visitors will find pinyon-covered mountains, sage-covered valleys, and a variety of terrains perfect for exploring.
Burned in the 2000 Manter Fire, the wilderness is a striking blend of recovery and resilience, offering solitude and stunning vistas. Due to its semi-arid climate, the area is especially inviting in spring and fall.
Destination Details
| Season | Spring and Fall (Summer can be extremely hot) |
| Location | Kern Plateau, California |
| General GPS Coordinates | 35.7954, -118.1397 |
| Trailhead GPS | Varies (Rockhouse Basin: 35.912, -118.207) |
| Management | Bureau of Land Management, Sequoia National Forest |
| Size | 94,695 acres |
| State | California |
| Nearest Major City | Bakersfield, CA (approx. 100 miles) |
Getting to Domeland Wilderness
Follow highway CA-178 approximately 30 miles east of the town of Lake Isabella and turn north onto Canebreak Road. Domelands Wilderness will be on your left as you follow this graded dirt road approximately 9 miles to the prominent junction of Canebrake and Long Valley/ Chimney Basin Roads.
For hiking access, turn left on Long Valley/ Chimney Basin Road and follow it to Long Valley Campground (10.3 miles), Rockhouse Basin Trailhead (12.8 miles), or the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (13.9 miles).
Domelands Wilderness can also be accessed from numerous Sequoia National Forest Trailheads, most of which are more readily accessible than these remote BLM trailheads. Contact the Bakersfield Field Office (661-391-6000) or Sequoia National Forest Kern River Ranger District (760-376-3781) for more information.
Destination Overview
The Domeland Wilderness straddles the eastern side of the Kern River’s South Fork drainage and stretches into a long, narrow valley blanketed in sage. Its rugged topography includes granite domes, perennial streams, and diverse vegetation dominated by pinyon pine and sagebrush.
Domeland Wilderness offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and horseback riding trails weave through the area, offering breathtaking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Signs clearly mark wilderness boundaries and restrictions, ensuring the preservation of this natural haven.
Its standout feature, Church Dome, provides a striking focal point. Trails range in difficulty and highlight the region’s mixed terrain, from rugged granite landscapes to serene valleys.
Keep in mind:
- No mechanized or motorized vehicles are permitted within the wilderness.
- Hunting, fishing, and trapping are allowed under state and local laws.
- Signs marking “Wilderness” and “Closed Route” ensure proper navigation.
Plan your visit during the cooler months to fully enjoy the beauty and solitude of this remote wilderness destination.
