Drones in Wilderness Areas
As drones become more popular among outdoor adventurers and creators, it’s natural to want to take your drone along for that next epic hike, backpacking trip, or mountain summit.
But before you launch your drone in a remote, beautiful spot, there’s one rule every pilot needs to understand: you cannot fly drones in federally designated Wilderness Areas.
What Are Wilderness Areas?
Wilderness Areas are special lands protected under the 1964 Wilderness Act. These are places meant to remain untouched by modern development—no roads, no permanent buildings, and no motorized or mechanized equipment.
That last part is key: drones are considered “mechanized transport” under federal policy. Even though they’re small and airborne, drones fall under the same restrictions as off-road vehicles or bicycles in these protected zones.
The Legal Basis for the Ban
The Wilderness Act prohibits the use of motor vehicles and "mechanical transport" within designated Wilderness Areas. This means that even hiking with a wheelbarrow or a mountain bike is off-limits—so flying a drone certainly qualifies as a violation.
Enforcement is managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service, depending on the land. Penalties can include fines, equipment confiscation, and even federal charges for knowingly flying in these protected spaces.
Why the Ban Exists
Wilderness Areas are designed to provide solitude, preserve natural ecosystems, and protect wildlife from human intrusion. Drones, while useful and often flown responsibly, can disturb wildlife, interrupt the quiet experience for hikers, and violate the principles of wilderness preservation.
Even a quick, quiet flight can:
Disrupt nesting birds and wildlife behavior
Disturb hikers and campers seeking solitude
Violate airspace or local noise ordinances
Similar Restrictions in Wildlife Refuges and National Parks
The same general principles apply to National Wildlife Refuges and National Parks.
National Parks: The National Park Service (NPS) has banned recreational drone flights in all 400+ parks since 2014. This includes iconic spots like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Special permits for commercial or scientific use are extremely limited.
Wildlife Refuges: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also prohibits drone flights in nearly all National Wildlife Refuges without explicit authorization. These areas protect sensitive species, and drones are considered a disturbance to both wildlife and habitat.
Violating these rules can result in steep fines and even criminal charges. In many cases, enforcement officers don’t issue warnings—they issue citations.
How to Know If You’re in a Wilderness Area
Wilderness Areas are often not clearly marked, especially in remote or backcountry locations. So how do you know where you can legally fly?
Here are a few tools and tips:
Use drone flight planning apps like AutoPylot, which include national and protected land layers
Confirm with the local ranger district or land management office
Look for trailhead signs—some may warn against drone usage specifically
Can You Fly Near a Wilderness Area?
Yes, but you must maintain line-of-sight and ensure your drone does not cross into restricted boundaries—even briefly. Flying just outside the border of a Wilderness Area may be legal, but it's essential to:
Avoid flying over the Wilderness Area, even if you’re standing outside of it
Consider natural soundscapes—your drone may still be disruptive to others nearby
Follow all other FAA rules, including altitude limits and controlled airspace restrictions
What About State or Local Laws?
Even outside of federal Wilderness Areas, state parks and local agencies often have their own rules about drone use. Some allow flights with permits, while others ban them outright. It’s always best to check ahead before flying in any outdoor area.
Bottom Line
Bringing your drone on a wilderness adventure might sound like a great idea, but flying in a designated Wilderness Area is strictly prohibited under federal law.
Always do your research before launching, and respect the reasons these places are protected: for the wildlife, the landscape, and for others to enjoy the silence and serenity that drones—no matter how small—can disrupt.