Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Pahute Peak Wilderness (
map) in 2000 and it now has a total of
56,890 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The Pahute Peak Wilderness is bordered by
the
Black Rock Desert Wilderness to the east.
Description
The Wilderness contains the central portion of the Black Rock Range. Elevations in the Wilderness range from 4,050 to 8,594 feet on top of Pahute Peak (also known as Big Mountain). Sagebrush is the dominant vegetation type, with saltbush and greasewood occurring at the lower elevations. A stand of aspens, mountain mahogany, and several Limber pines also occur on the north face of Pahute Peak. The southern portion of the Wilderness contains several areas of colored "badland' areas, including one area named Fremont's Castle after the early explorer John C. Fremont who traveled the area in 1843. Wildlife in the area include California bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lions, coyotes, and sagegrouse.
