It was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System by the United States Congress on October 19, 1976.

The Kaiser Wilderness stretches along an east–west ridge and is separated from the High Sierra by the South Fork San Joaquin River canyon.

Willows and alders grow along the perennial streams that form the drainage area of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River.

Recreational activities include day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, rock scrambling, nature photography and snowshoeing.

The Forest Service encourages the practice of Leave No Trace principles of outdoor travel to minimize human impact on the environment.