Wilderness

Alta Toquima Wilderness was designated by Congress through the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195), along with 11 other wildernesses that would be administered by the Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest. This remote 35,860-acre wilderness lies in the central portion of the Toquima Range on the Austin-Tonopah Ranger District. The Toquima Range is one of the many north-south mountain chains in Nevada that are often referred to as “islands in the sky”.

Alta Toquima Wilderness is roughly a half a day's drive from Reno/Sparks to the west and Ely to the east. Alta Toquima Wilderness lies between Table Mountain Wilderness, 10 miles to the east, and Arc Dome Wilderness, 15 miles to the west.

Rugged, mountainous terrain exemplifies Alta Toquima Wilderness with elevations ranging from 5800 feet to almost 12,000 feet. The high point is Mount Jefferson at 11,949 feet. Sparse vegetation at the higher elevation's transitions to areas of sagebrush with tree species including limber pine (Pinus flexilis), pinyon pine, juniper, and aspen. Mainstream drainages include Pine, Willow, and Barker Creeks. Pine Creek hosts an indigenous Lahontan cutthroat trout population.

The wilderness hosts a broad range of recreational activities although fishing and hunting are the primary attractions. There are about 31 trail miles maintained within the wilderness. Primary use is from hunters and hikers, with stock use also common, and use levels are low and perfect for solitude. Popular trails include the Mount Jefferson and Pine Creek trails.

More information about the Alta Toquima Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Arc Dome Wilderness was designated by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195) and was amended by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act – Public Law 116-9 (3/12/2019). Total acreage is now 120,551 acres. Arc Dome Wilderness lies in central Nevada in the southern portion of the Toiyabe Range on the Austin-Tonopah Ranger District. 

The nearest communities are Tonopah, NV  which is 45 miles to the south and Austin, NV 45 miles to the north. Alta Toquima Wilderness is just 15 miles to the east. This is a remote wilderness with difficult access and low use.

The traditional homeland of the Newe (Western Shoshone) includes Arc Dome Wilderness. The Yomba Reservation borders the wilderness boundary along the Reese River.

This is a classic high elevation wilderness with glacially carved slopes and numerous rugged canyons. The area is marked by vegetative diversity with sagebrush and grasses at the lower elevations transitioning to pinyon, juniper, and scattered stands of aspen. The area is unique to much of Nevada in that there are numerous perennial streams, many of which are fish bearing.

Visitors to the area take advantage of the hunting and fishing opportunities even though use levels are still considered to be low. There is an extensive trail system totaling 97 trail miles including a portion of the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail (TCT). The TCT is 72 miles long of which about 30 miles is within Arc Dome Wilderness.

More information about the Arc Dome Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Bald Mountain Wilderness is a 22,366-acre wilderness on the Ely Ranger District. The wilderness was established by the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006, which was passed by the 109th United States Congress as a part of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006.

Bald Mountain Wilderness is located in the White Pine Range, a North-South mountain range in West-Central Nevada. Bald Mountain is divided into two parcels by an East-West cherry stem. Bald Mountain Wilderness is located near, but not adjacent to, White Pine Wilderness to the west, and Schellback Wilderness to the North. Visitors can access Bald Mountain Wilderness from turnoffs on U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 50, with parking available at the Ellison Creek Guard Station.

The varied landscape in Bald Mountain Wilderness is part of its appeal. Bald Mountain, the center of the wilderness, is rocky peak surrounded by an alpine grassland with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Lower elevations feature box canyons and interesting rock characteristics. Elevations in Bald Mountain Wilderness range from 6,880 feet to 8,852 feet. Water is scarce, but visitors have noted that wildflower blooms in the Bald Mountain Wilderness are particularly spectacular.

There are no official trails within this wilderness and user can engage in primitive, cross-country travel. The area is popular with hunters, with most visitor use occurring during the fall hunting season.

More information about the Bald Mountain Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Designated by the California Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-425), the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is located south of Markleeville, California, straddling California’s Sierra Nevada Crest on the Carson Ranger District. Jointly managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe and Stanislaus National Forests, this wilderness covers approximately 160,000 acres that is roughly evenly split between the two Forests. The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is surrounded by protected lands such as the Emigrant Wilderness and Hoover Wilderness to its south and the Mokelumne Wilderness and Desolation Wilderness to its north. This allows for the potential for wildlife corridors to form through the wilderness as animals trek across the Sierra-Nevada Mountain range.

The Carson-Iceberg Wilderness gets its name from the Carson River, which was named from Kit Carson, one of America’s early western frontiersman. Following his initiative and boldness, the first group of emigrants from the east crossed the Sierra Nevada in 1841 just north of Sonora Pass. The Iceberg part of the name is taken from a distinctive granite formation, called the iceberg, on the southern boundary of the wilderness.

Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is a spectacularly scenic area with rugged granitic formations and glaciated valleys. Elevations range from 4,800 feet to over 11,000 feet with a dozen peaks over 10,000 feet. In addition to this broad elevational range, there is a distinct variation in average precipitation within the wilderness. On the west side the average precipitation is about 50 inches whereas, on the east side, the average precipitation is only about 15 inches. In combination, the elevation and precipitation differences combine to create an area with remarkable vegetative and wildlife diversity. Vegetative communities include oaks and sages at the lower elevations transitioning to forested communities that includes several pine and fir species, plus mountain hemlock and western juniper. Riparian areas will have a broad mix of species such as willow, aspen, and alder. Meadows and open slopes have a diverse range of grasses and wildflowers.

Of note is the presence of two indigenous trout species, the Paiute cutthroat trout and Lahontan cutthroat trout. The Paiute cutthroat trout is currently listed as threatened on the Endangered Species List and are native to a single stream drainage that is almost entirely within the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

Recreationally, the Carson-Iceberg provides ample opportunities for hunters, hikers, fishermen, and anyone that just wants to experience an incredibly scenic area. This wilderness is 150 miles from San Francisco and only 90 miles from Sacramento and Reno via U.S. and State Highways. With over 20 trailheads and over 200 miles of trail, the area is very accessible. Included in the trail mileage is over 26 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) that is utilized by PCT through hikers or hikers that simply want to hike a very doable piece of the PCT that spans the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness between Sonora Pass and Ebbetts Pass in California.

More information about the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Currant Mountain was created by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989. It was expanded by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 –also known as White Pine County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of 2006. The wilderness now totals 47,311 acres and is managed by the Ely Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Currant Mountain Wilderness is known for its impressive and dramatic limestone peaks. Currant Mountain, the wilderness’ namesake, is the highest peak of the White Pine Range at 11,500 feet. Duckwater Peak (11,200 feet) and White Pine Peak (10,162 feet) are also prominent features of Currant Mountain Wilderness. Combined with the ancient bristlecone pines and small band of desert big horn sheep, Currant Mountain Wilderness is an incredibly scenic, rugged, and pristine ecological preserve.

The wilderness is incredibly remote. It is over 40 miles from Ely, 320 miles from Reno, and 280 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah. Its remoteness from cities, towns, and roads makes it a very special place where visitors can experience outstanding solitude with virtually no intrusions from the modern world.
Currant Mountain is adjacent to Red Mountain to the east and the White Pine Range Wilderness to the North. These three wildernesses are separated only by 4-wheel drive corridors. Combined, these three make up almost 108,300 acres of nearly contiguous wilderness.

Visitors can access Currant Mountain Wilderness by taking U.S. Highway 6, 30 miles southwest from Ely, Nevada. A right turn at the White River Campground sign and 11 miles of Forest road brings visitors to the wilderness boundary.

Currant Mountain Wilderness has only 8.2 miles of designated National Forest Trails. For visitors seeking a true test of their backcountry skills, Currant Mountain offers nearly limitless opportunities for visitors to push beyond the established trails. However, visitors must be prepared to contend with very challenging topography and extremely limited water resources. There are no perennial streams in Currant Mountain Wilderness and springs are not present at the higher elevations.

More information about the Currant Mountain Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

The 36,900-acre East Humboldts Wilderness was created by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 and is located on the Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge Ranger District southwest of Wells, NV. It is a relatively remote and isolated wilderness in northeastern Nevada, hosting two peaks over 11,000’ and includes a portion of the Hole-in-the-Mountain Research Natural Area which was established in 1998. Public access is limited with few trailheads and about 94 system trail miles. One of the reasons for limited access is the extensive amount of private land adjacent to the wilderness boundary.

In general, Nevada is thought to be a dry and arid State, however the northeastern Nevada mountain ranges receive relatively high levels of precipitation. The East Humboldts Wilderness straddles a portion of the East Humboldt Range and is one of those ranges in Nevada that receives more precipitation than the majority of the state. There are numerous stream drainages and several high mountain lakes.

Like the Ruby Mountains to the south, the East Humboldts are an uplifted range of metamorphic and igneous rocks that have been heavily glaciated. The rugged peaks of the East Humboldts stand 5000 feet above the valley floor. Vegetation transitions from sage on the valley floor to lush meadows and stands of timber on the higher slopes. Timber species include limber pine, mountain mahogany, and aspen.

While use levels are currently low, the area does draw consistent interest from hunters and fishermen as well as recreationists interested in experiencing a strikingly scenic area where they are likely to encounter very few other people.

More information about the East Humboldts Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

The Grant Range Wilderness was created by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195) and totals 52,541 acres. The same act that created Grant Range Wilderness created 11 other Nevada wildernesses including the adjacent Quinn Canyon Wilderness to the west. The two wildernesses are separated only be a primitive road corridor.

Grant Range Wilderness is a remote wilderness located in central Nevada on the Ely Ranger District. The nearest major city is Las Vegas, roughly 4 hours' drive time to the south.

Grant Range Wilderness is truly a unique mix of contrasts. While the higher elevations receive up to 35 inches of rainfall, there are few year-round sources of water. The relatively high level of rainfall results in abundant plant life with over 200 wildflower species and tree species that includes limber pine and the long-lived bristlecone pines. The lack of reliable surface water sources creates a challenge for backpackers and hunters.

The Grant Range itself includes an exposed limestone massif, the high point of which is Troy Peak at 11,298 feet. The exposed limestone cliffs create a dramatic ridgeline profile. Adding to the challenge for visitors is the fact that there are no maintained trails within the wilderness although visitors may find remnants of abandoned four-wheel drive tracks.

As one might expect with no trail system and limited water sources, use levels are low. Hikers in the area need to be prepared for travel in rough terrain and few water options. Some hikers will take advantage of early season snow melt for water.

More information about the Grant Range Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

High Schells Wilderness was established by the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006 (found in Title III of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, Public Law 109-432). Minor adjustments to the wilderness boundary came with the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Pub. L. 116-9) making it currently 121,449 acres.

The High Schells Wilderness is located 10 miles from Ely, Nevada on the Ely Ranger District. Visitors can access the wilderness from turn offs on U.S. Highway 93 North or U.S. Highway 6/50. Visitors are able to access the wilderness through adjacent campgrounds such as Timber Creek, Berry Creek, Bird Creek, and East Creek. Road access goes up to the wilderness boundary, with some cherry stems proving further access to the area.

Spanning the Schell Creek Range, High Schells Wilderness features dramatic, high peaks, deep canyons and valleys, and abundant wildlife. Unlike other Ely district wildernesses, water is abundant across the High Schells Wilderness. Visitors to the wilderness have numerous trail options to explore in the summer, and the area is popular with backcountry skiers in the winter. The High Shells Wilderness has largest elk herd in the state of Nevada, which is a major draw for hunters, as are the large populations of game birds. Anglers can enjoy perennial streams that support rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout. Those interested in paleontology and archeology can make the trek to the Labor of Love Cave, where visitors can view fossils and other artifacts dating back to as long ago as the Last Glacial Maximum (21,000 to 28,000 years ago). Some of this material has been removed from the wilderness and is available to view at the White Pine Public Museum in Ely, Nevada.

Notable peaks in the wilderness include North Schell Peak (11,883 feet), Taft Peak (11,706 feet), and South Schell Peak (11, 741 feet). There are over 23 miles of trails in the wilderness. The High Schells Wilderness is one of the most visited wildernesses in the Ely Ranger District; yet, compared to the rest of the National Wilderness Preservation System, sees only a moderate number of visitors every year.

More information about the High Schells Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Prior to wilderness designation, the Hoover was established by the Forest Service as a Primitive Area in 1931 and then a Wild Area in 1957. In 1964, the Hoover became one of the ‘original’ wildernesses in the National Wilderness Preservation System that was created by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Initial acreage was 42,800 and an additional 79,820 acres was added by the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 which brought the total acreage to 128,221 acres. The Hoover Wilderness is co-managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe (99,539 acres) and Inyo National Forests (28,682 acres) and is adjacent to Yosemite Wilderness (managed by the National Park Service) and the Emigrant Wilderness (managed by the Stanislaus National Forest). Combined, these wildernesses create a block of contiguous wilderness of well over 1 million acres.

Hoover Wilderness has been an extremely popular destination for a variety of recreationists. It is within a day’s drive of roughly 40 million people and is easily accessible from US 395 which parallels the wilderness along the eastern slopes. Driving time from Sacramento, CA is over 3 hours and from Reno, NV over 2 hours which are the nearest major cities. Visitors are attracted to the Hoover’s rugged mountain landscapes (there are several peaks over 11,000 feet), numerous lakes and streams, waterfalls, and fishing and hunting opportunities. An extensive trail system of just over 100 miles provides excellent backcountry access. The trail system includes a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

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These rugged mountains are primarily volcanic in origin. The rocky granitic formations became exposed over time as the area was uplifted through tectonic forces over millions of years to become part of the Sierra Nevada Range. Colorful granitic bands can be seen where different granitic layers have been folded into one another over time. Soil types are moderately degraded basalts and granites which contributes to sparse vegetation at the higher elevations. Following the uplifting, the mountain slopes became heavily glaciated and this created the classic ‘U’ shaped valleys that we can see today.

There is a dramatic diversity of vegetation corresponding to the elevation which ranges from approximately 7,000 feet to over 12,000 feet. Much of the scenic attraction the Hoover Wilderness is the ability for visitors to travel through a variety of vegetative zones. At the highest elevations are the sparsely vegetated alpine areas and the extremely popular sub-alpine meadows and lake basins. Timber types in these areas include includes Jeffrey pine, white fir, lodgepole pine, whitebark pine, mountain hemlock, and juniper. Wildlife species of note include the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, Sierra Nevada red fox, and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, which are all listed as ‘Endangered’ by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Hoover Wilderness is a magnet for hikers that are drawn by its rugged beauty and classic alpine basins and over 109 miles of system trails. With these attractions come high visitor use levels that need to be managed to protect the environment and preserve opportunities for solitude. To that end there is a permit system for overnight use. The Hoover is a popular starting point for south-bound long-distance wilderness trips, especially along the Sierra High Route.

More information about the Hoover Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Hoover Wilderness Permits

Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the Hoover Wilderness on the Bridgeport Ranger District. The Hoover Wilderness is the only wilderness area on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest that has a quota to limit the number of visitors from June 15 - October 15. For more information, please visit our Hoover Wilderness Permits webpage.

Use Restrictions and Food Storage Orders

Guidelines for camping and recreation in the Hoover Wilderness aim to protect public safety, natural resources, and wilderness characteristics can be found in Forest Order 4-17-23-11.

Guidelines for the storage of solid and liquid food within the Hoover Wilderness can be found in Forest Order 4-17-23-06.

Jarbidge Wilderness is one of the ‘original’ wildernesses designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and was the only wilderness wholly within Nevada to be designated through the 1964 Act. The original acreage of the wilderness was 64,667 acres. Additional acres were added with the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 bringing the current total acreage to 113,167 acres.

Jarbidge is a remote wilderness in northeast Nevada on the Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge Ranger District. The nearest large cities are Boise, Idaho (approx. 200 miles away) and Salt Lake City, Utah (approximately 300 miles away). Reno, Nevada is almost 400 miles away. Jarbidge Wilderness is often listed as a one of the most remote places to visit in the United States and this has created some increased visitor interest in Jarbidge. The name Jarbidge roughly translates from the Shoshone language to mean “monster that lurks in the canyon” or “weird beastly creature”. Shoshone legend has it that Shoshone braves trapped the beast inside a cave within what is now Jarbidge Wilderness.

This is a mountainous wilderness with the elevations ranging from approximately 4,000 feet in the valleys to several peaks over 10,000 feet. This rugged area is typical of mountain ranges in the Great Basin. The area has primarily volcanic origins with extensive uplifting and metamorphosis of sediments with numerous exposed granitic dikes.

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Visitors to the wilderness will note the numerous streams, diverse vegetation and abundant wildlife. With numerous trailheads and over 150 miles of trail to choose from, it is easy to get away from it all in this wilderness. While there has been some increased recognition in Jarbidge as a unique and remote place to visit, use remains relatively low, and you may not see another visitor for your entire stay.

While most of Nevada has a reputation for being dry and arid, northeastern Nevada receives more precipitation than most areas of Nevada. In Jarbidge Wilderness, this means there are numerous streams and a diversity of vegetation that is reflective of the higher precipitation levels.

At lower elevations you’ll see typical sage and shrub dominated ecosystems. At higher elevations the vegetation transitions to numerous high meadows, often with spectacular wildflower shows, and forested slopes. Tree species include subalpine fir, whitebark pine, limber pine, mountain mahogany, juniper, cottonwood, and aspen.

Fishing and hunting are very popular activities within Jarbidge Wilderness. Fish species include rainbow and eastern brook trout (non-indigenous), along with two sensitive fish species, red band and bull trout, as well as a threatened species, the Lahontan cutthroat trout. There is a very healthy mule deer population in the area and elk are being reintroduced into the area.

More information about the Jarbidge Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

La Madre Mountain Wilderness was designated by the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002. This 47,180-acre wilderness is co-managed by the USDA Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and lies in southern Nevada, 15 miles west of Las Vegas and within an easy driving distance to over 2.5 million people that reside in Las Vegas and nearby communities. 

The BLM is the lead management agency with responsibility for the bulk of the total acreage (BLM: 28,114 acres, FS: 19,111 acres). The Forest Service portion of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness lies with the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area while the BLM portion lies within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This wilderness is bordered to the south by Rainbow Mountain Wilderness (separated only by a 4-wheel drive route) and is adjacent to Mt. Charleston Wilderness to the west. Collectively, these wildernesses are attracting more and more attention as the more adventurous visitors discover the scenic opportunities and primitive recreational experiences that are so easily accessible. 

The numerous mountain ranges in Nevada are often referred to as “Islands in the Sky” and the La Madre Mountain Range is one of those ecological “islands” that provides a contrast to the surrounding Great Basin and Mojave Deserts. The Las Vegas Valley lies at approximately 2,000 feet elevation. In contrast, the elevations in La Madre Mountain Wilderness rise from approximately 3,600 feet’ to 9,600 feet at La Madre Mountain. The changes in temperature and ecology is dramatic from the Las Vegas Valley to the higher elevations.

Geologically, the La Madre Mountain Range is part of the larger Spring Mountains Range and was formed by a ‘thrust fault’ where compression and buckling caused uplifting and exposure of sandstone and limestone layers. These layers are most visible in the southern portion of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. While these mountains intercept only 4-6 inches of precipitation annually, this stands in contrast to the even dryer Las Vegas Valley which receives only about 4 inches annually. In addition, this mountainous area is well known for its numerous springs and tinajas that help to retain moisture through much of the year. These moisture sources, coupled with cooler temperatures at the higher elevations, help to create conditions that create relatively lush vegetative ecosystems contrast with the surrounding desert habitats.

The vegetation in La Madre Mountain Wilderness ranges from being shrub dominated at the lower elevations to sub alpine habitat at the highest elevations. Limber pine and bristlecone pine can be found in small quantities at the highest elevations.

Recreation activities are primarily hiking, with some horseback riding and hunting also occurring. There are just 13.4 miles of designated trails within La Madre Mountain Wilderness.

More information about the La Madre Mountain Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

For more information on the BLM portion of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, please visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area webpage.

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The 105,165 acre Mokelumne Wilderness straddles the crest of the central Sierra Nevada, within the Stanislaus, Eldorado, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests. This area lies within portions of Calaveras, Alpine, and Amador Counties and is bordered by State Highway 4 on the south and State Highway 88 on the north. Watersheds drain to the Mokelumne River on the west slope and the Carson River on the east slope. The portion of the Mokelumne Wilderness located on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lies within the Carson Ranger District.

The Mokelumne Wilderness is a rugged landscape of great scenic beauty. Much of the area is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks. The prominent feature is disputably the rugged Mokelumne River Canyon. There are many smaller streams flowing through deep granitic canyons but only a few lakes concentrated in the northern portion of this spectacular area. Elevations range from about 3,900 feet near Salt Springs Reservoir to 10,380 feet at Round Top. Precipitation averages 50 inches annually on the west slope and as little as 15 inches on the east slope, 80 percent of it in the form of snow. Snowcaps typically linger into June in the Round Top region to the north and on the Mokelumne Plateau to the south, while the Mokelumne River Canyon above Salt Springs Reservoir can be free of snow as early as March. Summers are generally dry and mild, but afternoon thundershowers occur periodically and nighttime temperatures may dip below freezing any time.

More information about the Mokelumne Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Mokelumne Wilderness Permits

Permits are mandatory for entry into the Mokelumne Wilderness year round for overnight use.

Use Restrictions

Recreation rules for the Mokelumne Wilderness Area, the Carson Pass Management Area, the Round Top Special Interest Area, and the Salt Springs Reservoir Area, to provide for public safety and protect natural resources can be found in Forest Order 04-17-23-08.

Mt. Charleston Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 with initial acreage of approximately 43,000 acres. An additional 13,598 acres were added with the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002. The Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) co-manage this wilderness with the FS acting as the lead management agency with responsibility for most of the acreage (FS: 55,265 acres, BLM: 2,175 acres). The Mt. Charleston Wilderness is adjacent to Rainbow Mountain and La Madre Mountain Wildernesses which collectively form a block of designated wilderness exceeding 125,000 acres.

The numerous mountain ranges in Nevada are often referred to as “Islands in the Sky” and Mt. Charleston is part of one of those ecological “islands”. The Mt. Charleston Wilderness, along with Rainbow Mountain and La Madre Mountain Wildernesses are part of the Spring Mountains range that rise above the nearby Las Vegas Valley which places Mt. Charleston Wilderness with a 45-minute drive of over 2.5 million residents that live in Las Vegas and nearby communities.

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The Mt. Charleston Wilderness is recognized as a focal point of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. In the early 1900s this area was designated as the Charleston Forest Reserve by President Theodore Roosevelt. The ‘Charleston’ name recognition has carried forward to the present day.

There is a significant elevation difference from Las Vegas, at about 2000 feet, to the high point in Mt. Charleston Wilderness – 11,916 feet at the summit of Charleston Peak. Many visitors to the area in the winter months are often surprised that they can see snow covered peaks from downtown Las Vegas and to learn that there is a small ski resort on the slopes just outside the wilderness boundary.

While the Mt. Charleston area receives only about 7 inches of rainfall per year, this is relatively wet compared to the mere 4 inches of annual precipitation that falls in nearby Las Vegas. This additional moisture, coupled with cooler temperatures at the higher elevations, helps to create conditions that create relatively lush vegetative ecosystems that stand in contrast to the surrounding desert habitats.

The vegetation in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness ranges from being shrub dominated at the lowest elevations and then transitioning to mixed species such as juniper, pinyon pine, Joshua trees, ponderosa pine and aspen. Bristlecone pine can be found on some of the highest slopes and this area is known as having one of the largest stands of bristlecone pine between the Rocky Mountains and Sierra/Cascade Range. Bristlecone pine are one of the oldest living organisms in the world.

Recreation activities include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, horseback riding and hunting as well as winter activities such as snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. There are 37 miles of trail and cross-country travel is common. It is currently estimated that there are over 200 sport climbing routes within the wilderness.

More information about the Mt. Charleston Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Mt. Moriah Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195) that established 12 new wildernesses, including Mt. Moriah Wilderness, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. In 2006, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-432) added approximately 11,000 acres to the wilderness and in 2019 the John D. Dingell Conservation and Recreation Management Act (Public Law 116-9) made some minor boundary adjustments that reduced the total acreage by about 23 acres. Total acreage for the wilderness is now approximately 92,000 acres. This wilderness is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM: approx. 9000 acres) and the USDA Forest Service (USFS: approx. 83,000 acres).

Mt. Moriah Wilderness is an approximately 1.5-hour drive from Ely, Nevada, on the Ely Ranger District. Salt Lake City, Utah is a 4.5-hour drive to the northeast and Las Vegas is a 5-hour drive to the south. High Schells Wilderness is 10 miles to the west and Great Basin National Park is 15 miles to the south. The eastern edge of the wilderness is less than 2 miles from the Nevada-Utah border.

Mt. Moriah Wilderness lies in the northern part of the Snake Range and has an extremely diverse landscape with elevation ranging from about 6,000 feet to Mount Moriah at 12,050 feet. High elevation tree species include limber pine and bristlecone pine. On the lower slopes, there is understory of grasses and sagebrush with tree species of consisting of pinyon-juniper stands along with mountain mahogany, aspen, white fire, and Douglas fir. Stands of ponderosa pine are also found in this wilderness. Several year-round streams provide for more densely vegetated drainages with a mix of cottonwoods, willows and other species common to wetter environments. A federally listed plant species, Cave Mountain fleabane, is present in Mt. Moriah Wilderness and is currently known to only exist in Nevada in high elevations in the mountains of White Pine and Nye counties.

The Snake Range is one of the many north-south mountain ranges scattered throughout Nevada. Many of the mountains within the range are composed of quartzite although much of the Mt. Moriah Wilderness is a limestone base including Mount Moriah itself. The limestone lends itself to the formation of caves which are plentiful in the area. The geologic and vegetative diversity of the area has been an attraction for thousands of years. There is evidence of human occupation dating back at least 13,000 years that includes petroglyphs, basketry, poetry, and remnants of ancient tools, including projectile points.

Today, the area attracts a range of visitors for hunting, hiking, fishing, and caving. There are 50 miles of maintained trails providing good access to much of the area. Year-round streams provide fishing opportunities and the indigenous Bonneville cutthroat trout can be found in five of those streams and creeks.

More information about the Mt. Moriah Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Mt. Rose Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195) that established 12 new wildernesses, including Mt. Rose Wilderness, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Total acreage for this wilderness is 31,223 acres, and it is co-managed by the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The Hunter Lake jeep road splits the area into two distinct sections: the 7,000-acre northern section and the 25,000-acre southern section, which contains 10,776-foot Mount Rose and most of the major canyons and ridges.

Offering exceptional scenery, a wide variety of recreational opportunities, and a diverse array of fauna and flora, Mt. Rose Wilderness is located right in the backyard of Reno, Nevada. With elevations ranging from just over 5,000 feet along Hunter Creek to the summit of Mt. Rose at 10, 776 feet, Mt. Rose is one of Nevada’s most heavily visited wildernesses. Located in between the urban hustle and bustle of Reno and the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe, it is a popular destination due to its close proximity to urban environments.

The Mt. Rose Wilderness provides many outstanding opportunities and retains strong components of wilderness character even though it may be in close proximity to Reno and Tahoe. Mt. Rose may not be what people think of when they envision wilderness as a place far away from civilization nestled deep within the mountains, and with very few encounters with others. Being close to an urban environment however is part of what makes the Mt. Rose wilderness so special in the hearts of many visitors. The area is very accessible, with many trailheads that will lead one into places where yes solitude and amazing adventures can be found. There is approximately 40 miles of system trails in the wilderness, but away from trails are often found very pristine and primitive areas.

More information about the Mt. Rose Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Quinn Canyon Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195) that established 12 new wildernesses, including Quinn Canyon Wilderness, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Total acreage for the wilderness is 26,310 acres. Quinn Canyon Wilderness is adjacent to Grant Range Wilderness, only separated by a primitive road corridor.

Quinn Canyon Wilderness is a rugged and remote wilderness that lies in south central Nevada on the Ely Ranger District, 3.5 hours drive from Ely, NV and almost 4 hours from Las Vegas, NV. The name implies that this wilderness is essentially a ‘canyon’, however the wilderness is actually dominated by the Quinn Canyon Range with elevations ranging from about 6,000 feet to 10,000 feet. The high point in the wilderness, at 10,185 feet is an unnamed peak on the southern boundary. There are numerous streams and springs that provide year-round water sources and contribute to a diverse vegetative landscape. In addition to sagebrush, tree species include pinyon, juniper, aspen, mahogany, and white fir (Abies concolor). At higher elevations bristlecone pine can be found. A federally listed sensitive plant species is known to be present here – Nevada Primrose.

There are only about 14 miles of designated trails within this wilderness; the 3.8-mile Little Cherry Creek trail is the only functional one. Use levels are low due to the remoteness of this wilderness and limited trail system. Hunters are the primary use group although hikers that are seeking opportunities for solitude will also find their way to Quinn Canyon Wilderness.

More information about the Quinn Canyon Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness was designated by the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002. This 24,783-acre wilderness lies in southern Nevada and is co-managed by the USDA Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and lies in southern Nevada, 15 miles west of Las Vegas and within an easy driving distance to over 2.5 million people that reside in Las Vegas and nearby communities. 

The BLM is the lead management agency for Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, with responsibility for the bulk of the total acreage (BLM: 20,225 acres, FS: 4,674 acres). The Forest Service portion of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness lies with the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area while the BLM portion lies within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness is bordered to the north by La Madre Mountain Wilderness, separated only by a 4-wheel drive route (Rocky Gap Road). These wildernesses are attracting more and more attention as the more adventurous visitors discover the scenic opportunities and primitive recreational experiences that are so easily accessible from Las Vegas and surrounding areas.

The numerous mountain ranges in Nevada are often referred to as “Islands in the Sky” and the La Madre Mountain Range is one of those ecological “islands” that provides a contrast to the surrounding Great Basin and Mojave Deserts. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness is at the southern end of the La Madre Mountain Range. The Las Vegas Valley lies at approximately 2,000 feet elevation. In contrast, the elevations in Rainbow Mountain Wilderness rise from approximately 3,800 feet to 7,500 feet near Red Rock Summit in the north end of the wilderness.

Geologically, the La Madre Mountain Range, which is part of the larger Spring Mountains Range, was formed by a ‘thrust fault’ where compression and buckling caused uplifting and exposure of sandstone and limestone layers. These layers are most visible in the southern portion of the La Madre Wilderness, although the Rainbow Mountain escarpment is known for its colorful exposed sandstones.

While these mountains intercept only 4 to 6 inches of precipitation annually, this is significantly wetter than the even dryer Las Vegas Valley which receives only less than 4 inches annually. In addition, this mountainous area is well known for its numerous springs and tinajas that help to retain moisture through much of the year. These moisture sources, coupled with cooler temperatures at the higher elevations, help to create conditions that create relatively lush vegetative ecosystems that stand in contrast with the surrounding desert habitats. As mentioned earlier, these high elevation ecosystems are sometimes referred to as “sky islands” due to the contrast with surrounding desert ecosystems. Vegetation in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness ranges from being shrub dominated at the lower elevations to mixed tree species at the higher elevations.

Recreation activities are primarily hiking and rock climbing, as well as, some horseback riding and hunting. There are less than one mile of designated trails within Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, located on the BLM-managed portion of the wilderness, leaving ample opportunity for cross-country travel for the more adventurous hiker. The Rainbow Mountain Wilderness has been recognized nationally and internationally as having high quality, technical rock-climbing opportunities in the various canyons located on the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area side of the wilderness.

More information about the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

For more information on the BLM portion of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, please visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area webpage.

The Red Mountain Wilderness area was designated by the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006, which was passed by the 109th United States Congress as a part of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. Red Mountain Wilderness spans 20,520 acres on the Ely Ranger District. 

Not to be confused with the identically named Red Mountain Wilderness in Utah, the Nevada Red Mountain Wilderness is characterized by striking red-orange volcanic rock formations and Pinyon-Juniper landscape. Nestled into the White Pine Range, the highest point in the Red Mountain Wilderness is Red Mountain, which rises to a height of 9,328 feet. The White Pine Range is a north-south mountain range that is characterized by rugged peaks. The orange-red volcanic stone of Red Mountain provide a unique geologic contrast to the grey limestone that characterizes the rest of the White Pine Range.

Red Mountain Wilderness is incredibly remote; it is over 60 miles from Ely, 320 miles from Reno, and 290 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, and can be accessed from U.S. Highway 6. Its remoteness from cities, towns, and roads makes it a special place where visitors can experience outstanding solitude with virtually no intrusion from the modern world.

Red Mountain Wilderness is adjacent to Currant Mountain Wilderness, a 47,311-acre wilderness to the west. North of Currant Mountain Wilderness is the White Pine Range Wilderness. These Wildernesses are separated only by four-wheel drive routes. Combined, these three wildernesses create 108,292 acres of nearly contiguous wilderness.

There are no formal trails in Red Mountain Wilderness. However, users can travel into the wilderness on foot through old jeep tracks and other abandoned roadways.

More information about the Red Mountain Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Ruby Mountains Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 that established 12 new wildernesses, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The Ruby Mountain Wilderness is over 92,000 acres and located on the Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge Ranger District. The Ruby Mountains are part of a truly spectacular mountain range that rises dramatically from the desert floor and is readily visible from Interstate 80 near Elko, NV. This wilderness straddles the Ruby Mountain Range for almost 30 miles and is dominated by mountainous terrain with 10 peaks over 11,000 feet. This wilderness is known for its rugged scenery, lush meadows, high mountain lakes and abundant wildlife.

The mountain ranges of the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldts are an uplifted range of metamorphic and igneous rocks that became heavily glaciated over time. The popular Lamoille Canyon is a typically ‘U’ shaped glacial valley. Hikers in the Ruby Mountains will see exposed sedimentary rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and shale and igneous rocks such as granite and pegmatite.

The highest elevations in the Ruby Mountains can be considered alpine tundra. At lower elevations in the high basins this transitions to typical sub-alpine vegetation with a mix of tree species to include aspen, whitebark pine, and limber pine. On the lower slopes the vegetation transitions to a heavier sagebrush mix and eventually a sagebrush dominated environment in the surrounding basin. One species of note is the Ruby Mountain primrose which is limited to the high elevation in the Ruby Mountains.

By far the most popular access point for the Ruby Mountains is Lamoille Canyon in the central portion of the wilderness. Lamoille Canyon, sometimes referred to as “Nevada’s Yosemite”, is reached via a paved road that terminates at a developed day use area that includes trailheads. Lamoille Canyon is the northern terminus of the Ruby Mountains National Recreation Trail, a popular 33-mile-long trail that meanders through the Ruby Mountains generally along the spine of the Ruby Mountains Range and terminates just outside the southern tip of the Ruby Mountains.

Ruby Mountains Wilderness is a popular destination for hunters, fishermen and hikers. In recent years, the Ruby Mountains National Recreation Trail has been attracting the attention of “trail runners” that run the length of the trail between Lamoille Canyon and Harrison Pass.

More information about the Ruby Mountains Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Act of 1989. This 31,000-acre wilderness lies at the southern end of the Santa Rosa Range on the Santa Rosa Ranger District. The Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness remains a lightly used wilderness giving visitors a feeling of isolation while still being only 30 miles from Winnemucca, NV and Interstate 80. U.S. Highway 95 runs along the western edge of the range and State Route 290 parallels the east side. Both routes provide access via primitive roads to nine primary trailheads and over 60 miles of trail (includes some non-wilderness trail miles).

Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness is part of a rugged granitic ridge with numerous jagged outcrops. The elevation ranges from approximately 6500 feet on the lower slopes to the high point of Santa Rosa Peak at 9,701 feet. There are no lakes in the Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness which is very likely one reason the area has low visitor use. However, there are numerous small streams and many of the streams are fish bearing and provide adventurous fisherman opportunities for trout species including the Lahontan cutthroat trout, which is a federally listed threatened species. These stream drainages are typically lined with a mix of willow, cottonwood, and aspen,  and the slopes rising out of these drainages often have spectacular spring wildflower shows. Limber pine and mountain mahogany can also be found although large forested stands are absent.

More information about the Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

The Shellback Wilderness area was designated by the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006, which was passed by the 109th United States Congress as a part of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. Shellback Wilderness spans 36,151 acres and lies on the Ely Ranger District.

Shellback Wilderness consists of the northeast portion of the White Pine Range. It is characterized by a long ridgeline that runs from north to south, reaching over 9,000 at its highest point. The western slopes feature spring-fed basins with aspen stands and linear limestone formations. The eastern side is more arid and dominated pinion-juniper forests and deep, rocky canyons.

Shellback Wilderness is incredibly remote; it is approximately 55 miles from Ely, 320 miles from Reno, and 290 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah. Its remoteness from cities, towns, and roads makes it a special place where visitors can experience outstanding solitude with virtually no intrusion from the modern world. Shellback Wilderness is near White Pine Range Wilderness to the southwest and Bald Mountain Wilderness to the southwest.

Shellback Wilderness can be accessed from U.S. Highway 50 to the Illipah Reservoir before turning onto FS Road 400. FS Road 400 follows the wilderness boundary for ten miles. There are no formal trails in Shellback Wilderness; however, users can travel into the wilderness on foot through old jeep tracks and other abandoned roadways.

More information about the Shellback Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Table Mountain Wilderness was established by the Nevada Wilderness Protection Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-195) that established 12 new wildernesses, including Table Mountain, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Total acreage for the wilderness is approximately 98,000 acres and it lies on the Austin-Tonopah Ranger District. Table Mountain Wilderness is another of Nevada’s remote wildernesses. A distinguishing feature of this wilderness is the high elevation plateau, or table, that gives this wilderness its name. The area is also known for its large aspen stands that provide cover for wildlife and outstanding fall colors.

Use levels remain low, with primary uses include hunting and fishing. The area is also  popular for horseback riding. Adventurous hikers and equestrians will find this wilderness is great for exploring with year-round water sources, lots of meadows with wildflowers, numerous aspen stands, and abundant wildlife.

More information about the Table Mountain Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

White Pine Range Wilderness was created by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 – (Pub. L. 109-432), also known as the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of 2006. The wilderness totals 40,013 acres and lies on the Ely Ranger District. White Pine Range Wilderness is another one of Nevada’s remote wildernesses, with Ely, NV the nearest full-service community about one and a half hour’s drive away. Las Vegas is about a five-hour drive away.

White Pine Range Wilderness is unique in that it is made up of three separate pieces separated by primitive motorized vehicle routes. Additionally, White Pine Range Wilderness is separated from Currant Mountain Wilderness to the south by a 4x4 vehicle route. Bald Mountain Wilderness is just five miles away to the east and Shellback Wilderness is less than five miles away to the northeast. White Pine Range, Currant Mountain, and Red Mountain wildernesses combined create almost 108,300 acres of nearly continuous wilderness.

The elevation ranges from 6,700 feet to almost 9,600’ feet There are numerous canyons with forested hillsides that include tree species that includes bristlecone pine, limber pine, and white fire. Numerous springs are scattered throughout the wilderness providing much needed water sources for wildlife.

Use levels are relatively low with hunting being the primary recreational use. The scenic beauty of the area along with available water sources does will attract some non-hunters. There are no maintained system trails within the wilderness so visitors will typically be travelling cross country or on abandoned routes or unmaintained game trails.

More information about the White Pine Range Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Wovoka Wilderness was established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. The wilderness lies on the Bridgeport Ranger District and totals 44,449-acre acres. 

The cultural significance of Wovoka Wilderness and the surrounding area has long been recognized. The wilderness is named for a highly respected Northern Paiute spiritual leader from the region and evidence of Native American occupation—dating back 12,000 years ago, includes petroglyphs, evidence of tool making sites, game traps, house rings and drive fences. Today Northern Paiute Indians, still very connected to this land, continue the tradition of harvesting pine nuts in the area.

There are no maintained trails within the wilderness although there are several “cherry stems” that allow relatively easy motorized vehicle access to areas that would otherwise be more remote. Water is scarce. Use levels remain relatively low due to the lack of system trails and limited water sources although well prepared visitors are still drawn to the varied topography, wildlife and expansive views.

The vegetation is typical of what is known as the Great Basin Desert that covers much of Nevada. The dominant vegetation is characterized by pinyon pine, juniper, and sagebrush.

The scarcity of water discourages overnight use within the wilderness. Most visitors are day users that are hunting or simply exploring the area.

More information about the Wovoka Wilderness can be found at wilderness.net.

Wilderness visitors should be aware of the following prohibitions that apply to all wilderness areas that are a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System:

• Use of motorized vehicles is prohibited by law in wilderness.
• Use of motorized equipment is prohibited by law in wilderness. This includes all equipment that is powered by sources such as engines, battery operated tools, chainsaws, generators, and other similar equipment.
  • Small hand-held battery powered personal devices such as cameras, cell phones, and flashlights are exempt from this prohibition.
• Use of motorboats is prohibited by law in wilderness.
• Use of mechanical transport is prohibited by law in wilderness. This includes bicycles, wagons, game carts, strollers, and any other wheeled equipment. The one exception under law, is manually-driven wheelchairs.
• Landing of aircraft, or dropping or picking up of any material, supplies, or person by means of aircraft, including a helicopter is prohibited by law in wilderness.
• Operation of drones is prohibited by law in wilderness.
• Possessing or using a hang glider is prohibited by law in wilderness.

Wilderness permits are required for overnight use in the following wilderness areas on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest:

• Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
  • Wilderness permits are required for overnight use from April 15 to November 30 each year.
    • Self-issued permits can be obtained from the Carson Ranger District at trailhead accessing the Carson-Icebert. You may also contact the Carson Ranger District to obtain a permit.
    • Please visit the Stanislaus National Forest Wilderness Permit webpage for information on obtaining a wilderness permit if your journey will start on the Stanislaus portion of the Carson-Iceberg.
• Hoover Wilderness
  • Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the Hoover Wilderness on the Bridgeport Ranger District. 
  • The Hoover Wilderness is the only wilderness area on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest that has a quota to limit the number of visitors from June 15 - October 15. For more information, please visit our Hoover Wilderness Permits webpage.
  • If your trip will be starting from the Inyo National Forest portion of the Hoover Wilderness, you will need to obtain a permit from the Inyo. For more information, please visit their Wilderness Permits webpage.
• Mokelumne Wilderness
  • Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight stays in the Mokelumne Wilderness.
  • Please visit the Eldorado National Forest website for information on obtaining a Mokelumne Wilderness Permit.
  • You may also contact the Carson Ranger District to inquire about wilderness permits.

No wilderness permits are required for the remaining 21 wilderness areas on the Forest.

Where you camp matters. Please choose an existing campsite at least 100 feet from trails and water sources. Avoid damaging new areas. Do not camp on vegetation, move rocks, build walls, or disturb soils or plants to create a camp site. 

Site specific camping closures are in effect to protect fragile areas in the following areas:

Hoover Wilderness

• Camping within 100 feet of any NFS trail, stream, or lake.
• Camping within ¼ mile of Red Lake, Blue Lake, and Big Virginia Lake.
• Camping within ¼ mile of Barney Lake for more than one day.

Mokelumne Wilderness

• Camping within 100 feet of any stream, lake, or designated trail.
• Camping outside of a designated camping site in the Carson Pass Management Area from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Camping within 300 feet of Emigrant Lake, except when there is snow on the ground.
• Camping within ¼ mile of Frog Lake.
• Camping within a designated camping site at Winnemucca and Round Top Lakes for more than two consecutive nights or within a designated camping site at Fourth of July Lake for more than three consecutive nights.

The following wilderness areas on the Forest have specific campfire restrictions:

Hoover Wilderness

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel, within ¼ mile of Barney Lake and Peeler Lake or above 9000 feet.

Mokelumne Wilderness

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood fire for any purpose within the Mokelumne Wilderness boundaries at any time of the year. 

La Madre Mountain Wilderness, Mt. Charleston Wilderness, and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood fire for any purpose within these wilderness areas is prohibited year-round.

The activities of large groups of people can affect the solitude of others and can increase impacts in and around campsites and near water. In some cases, smaller campsites simply can't accommodate large groups. Therefore, group size limits confine groups of people to manageable sizes. For wilderness areas on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, group sizes are limited to no more than 15 people, generally. However, certain wilderness areas on the Forest have lower group size limits, which are listed below:

• Hoover Wilderness: 15 people; however, in the Sawtooth Ridge Zone, 8 people
• Mt. Rose Wilderness: 8 people
• Mokelumne Wilderness: 12 people (day-use only); 8 people (overnight use)

Dogs or other pets are allowed for trips staying in the National Forest. 

• Dogs should be under control, on leash or responsive to verbal command.
• Do not allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
• Pet food must be stored the same as required for your food.
• Pet waste should be treated like human waste and not left on trails, in campsites, or within 100 feet of water sources. 

Stock includes traditional saddle and pack animals like horse and mules, as well as other animals like llama, burro, and goats.

Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, which includes the entirety of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is prohibited unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated. For more information please review the regional Weed Free Hay Order (04-2021-3).

In general on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest pack and saddle stock are limited to no more than 15 stock in a group. However, certain wilderness areas on the Forest have lower or higher limits, which are listed below:

• Carson-Iceberg Wilderness and Hoover Wilderness: 25 stock max
  • Note: Stock are not permitted within the Sawtooth Ridge Zone of the Hoover Wilderness.
• Mokelumne Wilderness and Mt. Rose Wilderness: 12 stock max

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.  

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other