Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Fortification Range Wilderness (
map) in 2004 and it now has a total of
30,539 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
The 13.5 mile long Fortification Range is a low mountain range composed almost entirely of volcanic materials (tuffs and tuffaceous breccia). Most of the range is comprised of gentle ridges, however, the north end becomes very rugged and precipitous (elevations over 8,000’) where the rock has been eroded into sheer cliffs and massive outcrops. These spectacular formations and cliffs for which the range was named form a huge natural amphitheater at the head of the Cottonwood Canyon drainage. Scattered ponderosa pine, pinyon, juniper, aspen and cottonwood are found in the northern portion of the unit while the southern portion of the unit is densely forested by pinyon and juniper. Wildlife within the wilderness includes mule deer, antelope, mountain lions, and raptors.
