Jarbidge Wilderness

Photograph taken in the Jarbidge Wilderness

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Jarbidge Wilderness (map) in 1964 and it now has a total of 111,087 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Nevada and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

According to legend, a hardy band of Shoshone braves walled in the original jarbidge (their word for "a weird beastly creature") in a cave in Jarbidge Canyon. Now this northern Nevada Wilderness merits attention as one of the most remote spots in America. You can't even see its peaks (eight of which exceed 10,000 feet) from the highway. But with air as unpolluted as you will find anywhere, the view from these heights goes on for 150 miles. Look down from the peaks and you will see 4,000 feet into the valleys.

This area is unusually wet for Nevada, with seven to eight feet of snow falling annually, ideal for vegetation that varies from northern desert plants to alpine plants. Snow often clogs high trails from mid-October to mid-June. Many creeks and a few small lakes provides points of interest for anglers and hikers. Elk graze on the eastern side of the area, attracting their fair share of hunters, and the deer herd has grown quite large. Mountain lions also prowl these grounds.

As you approach the mountains, you may be reminded of the splendor of the European Alps. Although more than 125 miles of trails exist, remoteness and rugged mountain terrain place this area among the least visited of all Wildernesses.

Planning to Visit the Jarbidge Wilderness?

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Jarbidge Wilderness.

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.