What is the difference between designated Mojave Wilderness and other undeveloped areas in Mojave National Preserve?
It may help to think of designated wilderness as an additional “layer” of protection. Other “wild,” undeveloped areas of national parklands (often called “backcountry”) are subject to development, road building, and off-road mechanized vehicular use. These backcountry areas are protected only by administrative regulations that National Park Service officials can change. Congressionally-designated wilderness areas however, such as Mojave Wilderness, prohibit permanent roads and commercial enterprises, except for services that may provide for recreational or other purposes of the Wilderness Act.
