Far South Egans Wilderness
Recreational Opportunities
This wild, untrammeled setting provides many excellent opportunities for recreation. Hiking, camping and backpacking are demanding because of the terrain, but very rewarding and pleasurable because of the area’s special features (bristlecone and ponderosa pines, an abandoned historic sawmill, high scenic values) and because of the impression that the many hidden places of the area have never before been visited. The exhilaration of discovery extends into the mountains themselves, with spelunking into Whipple Cave. Located in the northwest portion of the wilderness area, Whipple Cave provides 1,000 feet of known passage. Cave decorations include rimstone dams, draperies, and a huge column over thirty feet tall. Passage through the cave’s double sink entrance requires a technical 70-foot descent. The cave has sustained regular use, but because of the difficulty of entrance, use has been relatively light and the cave remains in a very natural state. Technical rock climbers may find challenge all along the western side of the wilderness area. Numerous rock outcrops and cliffs provide opportunities for a wide range of rock climbing. All of these recreational opportunities are available in an area where solitude is a guaranteed character.
Safety and Current Conditions
Contact Ely Bureau of Land Management Field Office for current weather, road conditions, and hazards.
