Introduction
The United States Congress designated the South Pahroc Range Wilderness (
map) in 2004 and it now has a total of
25,671 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
The South Pahroc Range is extremely rugged with deeply cut canyons, high ridges, large rounded boulders and heavily forested expanses. Much of the range is a solitary volcanic massif composed of varying colored layers of welded tuff that have weathered into unusual pockets, columns and stone faces. The lower elevations are gently rolling bajada with the tuff boulders more scattered. The mountain range creates an 'island in the sky" effect. Moderately deep, steep-walled drainages cut across the mountain from east to west. Differential weathering of welded tuff layers has created numerous pockets, holes, columns and the ubiquitous, large rounded boulders. The rocky geologic features are interlaced with stands of pinyon-juniper, white fir and aspen, forming isolated glades that provide shady solitude. Mule deer, mountain lion, newly reintroduced bighorn sheep, golden eagles and prairie falcons can be found in the area.
