The wilderness contains varied wildlife and vegetation. It is characterized by extensive forest and meadows. The best time to travel in the wilderness is June through October. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the area. Summer thunderstorms are common.
Water is limited in dry periods.
Firewood is scarce above 10,000 feet. Stock forage is plentiful but pack in feed before July 1. The Golden Trout Wilderness is a good area for novice backpackers and stock users. The heaviest use of the wilderness is near Burnt Corral crossing of Little Kern, Little Kern Bridge, Forks of the Kern, Coyote Lakes, Maggie Lakes, Rattlesnake trail and Kern Flat Trail. Special DFG fishing rules east of Kern River apply.