White Mountains Wilderness

The White Mountains are one of the largest and highest desert mountain ranges in North America. They rise abruptly from the desert to elevations in excess of 14,000 feet. On the east side of the range, Cottonwood Creek is a National Wild and Scenic River. It is the only stream in the Great Basin protected from its alpine source to its desert terminus. More than 1,000 species and varieties of plants reside in the White Mountains, including ancient bristlecone pines – the earth's oldest living trees. The area is home to desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and mule deer. The White Mountains Wilderness was designated through the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act on March 31, 2009. This 253,000 acre wilderness is jointly administered by the Inyo National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.

A Wild and Scenic River Management Plan is being planned for two designated rivers: Cottonwood Creek in the White Mountains and the Owens River Headwaters. Explore more here: Cottonwood Creek and Owens River Headwaters Wild and Scenic Management Plans

At a Glance