Santa Rosa Wilderness

Santa Rosa Wilderness is a protected expanse of desert and mountain country in Southern California’s Santa Rosa Mountains, much of it within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Established by Congress in 1984 and later enlarged, it combines rugged fault-shaped terrain, steep canyons, perennial streams, and fan palm oases with evidence of long human use, from ancient trails and rock art to mining and waterworks. Bear Creek, Deep Canyon, and Martinez Canyon are especially significant features. The wilderness is vital wildlife habitat, especially for the nation’s largest herd of peninsular bighorn sheep, and it also supports backcountry recreation and field study.

California · United States