Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness is a protected area of California located in the San Bernardino Mountains.


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Summary

The wilderness covers approximately 33,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching.

One of the main reasons to visit Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness is its scenic beauty. The area is characterized by rugged mountains, lush forests, and sparkling lakes. Some of the notable points of interest include the Cleghorn Lakes, Pilot Rock Ridge, and the Mojave River.

Another interesting feature of the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness is its diverse wildlife. The area is home to a variety of species, including black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and several types of birds. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by horseback to enjoy the wilderness and observe the wildlife.

The best time of year to visit Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded, and winter can bring snow and ice, making some areas inaccessible.

Overall, Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness is a beautiful and unique area that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, fishing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, this wilderness is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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