Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Muddy Mountains Wilderness (
map) in 2002 and it now has a total of
48,097 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 Muddy Mountains consists of rugged limestone cliffs and canyons. A thrust fault has overlain limestone over sandstone. Sandstone is exposed through a fenster, or erosion caused “window,” through the limestone at Bowl of Fire and Hidden Valley. Conglomerate rock forms light brown cliffs at the Gale Hills. Gypsum bearing soils of brown and red hues are present in some of the lowest elevations. Elevations range from about 1,700 to 5,400 feet. The Wilderness area is desert dominated by creosote. The only trees present are desert catalpa which are found in washes. Rare plants, including Las Vegas buckwheat and bear poppy, occur in the gypsum soils. Animals of special interest include desert tortoise and bighorn sheep. Scenic red, yellow, magenta, and orange sandstone outcrops are found in Bowl of Fire and Hidden Valley. Anniversary Narrows is a small slot canyon in limestone. Archaeological resources occurring in the area have been identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Approximately 7 miles of trail are designated in the Wilderness at Hidden Valley, the Gale Hills, and Anniversary Narrows.
