Explore Coso Range Wilderness, Olancha, California

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Encompassing the northern section of the Coso Range, this Wilderness preserves an area of extensive erosion revealing outstanding displays of volcanic formations and numerous valleys and washes. Access to the Coso Range Wilderness is typically through highways 190 and 395, with four-wheel-drive routes providing access to the region. The primary Coso Range crash site involvestwo F-4J Phantom fighter jets (#158364 & #158379) that collided on June 26th 1972 during a training flight, scattering debris across a wide area. All four crew members managed to eject, but #158379 radar intercept officer LTJG C. Jack Winstead was killed. Another significant site is a 1952 CIA reconnaissance plane wreck, accessed via a difficult trek through the Panamint Mountains, which border the Coso Range. From high points--primarily Joshua Flat in the east-central portion--you'll discover great views east into the Sierra Nevada and north into Owens Valley. In addition to Joshua Flat, striking Vermillion Canyon runs west from near the middle of the area, offering an especially scenic reason to make the trek. Cactus Flat and McCloud Flat to the south were once active mining regions. You'll see large stands of Joshua trees mixed with low desert shrubs, annuals, cactuses, and creosote bushes. Old tracks lead from the east to Joshua Flat and from the west to Vermillion Canyon. There is ample room to wander without much chance of seeing another human. The wilderness is bounded to the south and east by Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The area was designated as wilderness by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 and contains Joshua trees, creosote, and cactus as well as old mining areas. Carry plenty of water.

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