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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Eldorado Wilderness (map) in 2002 and it now has a total of 31,950 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service.

Description

The picturesque and rugged Eldorado Mountains provide a maze of peaks and side canyons with vertical cliffs extending to the edge of the Colorado River. Much of the terrain was formed by volcanoes. Vegetation is creosote desert and a variety of of cacti. Water is scarce and the summer temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lion, rattlesnakes, and desert tortoise inhabit the area.

Planning to Visit the Eldorado Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service
• Other recommended websites

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Eldorado Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.