Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Clover Mountains Wilderness (
map) in 2004 and it now has a total of
85,668 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
Millions of years ago, this area was a major volcanic center, spewing lava flows over the landscape. Now this ancient caldera, cut into twisting shapes and inspiring colors by millions of years of erosion, is a rewarding destination for a weekend escape. Exceptional opportunities abound for solitude and adventure in this land of rolling hills, rugged peaks, and jagged rock outcrops of rhyolite in natural hues of pink, yellow, red, orange and brown as well as twisting canyons and perennial waters. The volcanic peaks of the Clover Mountains Wilderness rise over 7,000 feet above sea level. Narrow twisting canyons, cliffs, rock outcrops, peaks, ridges and saddles create a scenic land of surprise. High in the mountains live old-growth stands of ponderosa pine and quaking aspen both of which are uncommon in this part of Nevada. Ash, cottonwood, quaking aspen, and other riparian vegetation thrive along Cottonwood Creek, one of the longest pristine year-round streams in Southern Nevada. The Thule Desert encompasses the lowest elevations in the southern portion of the wilderness area with vegetation of sagebrush, joshua trees, and yucca. Mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, mountain lion, bobcat, badger, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon and golden eagle have been seen in the area. The lower regions of the area provide important habitat for kit fox and numerous species of reptiles. Sensitive species likely to be found in the wilderness area include the Pallid bat, California myotis, and banded Gila monster.
