Gass Peak Proposed Wilderness

Services, Getting There

 

Hikes & Trails: 

Gass Peak Trail

 

Related Areas: 

Desert National Wildlife Refuge

 

Map Information:

DeLorme Road Atlas: pg. 70

Benchmark Road Atlas: pg. 82

USGS topo: Las Vegas

Wilderness Area Status: Agency Proposed Area                          


Year Designated: n/a

Act or Law: n/a
Acres: 58,699
State Region: Southern Nevada
County Regions: Clark   

Management

Managing Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service
Local District: Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Contact Info: (702) 879-6110
160001 Corn Creek Rd  Las Vegas, NV89124
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Area Description

Gass Peak is part of a vast complex of wilderness areas and is immediately adjacent to the Las Vegas Range and the Sheep Range proposed wilderness areas (collectively known as the Sheep Range Wilderness Complex).  Together, these three areas maintain a high degree of ecological connectivity, assuring a healthy future for the genetic diversity of wildlife and plant communities within the Desert national Wildlife Refuge.  The Gass Peak proposed wilderness area is dominated by the southernmost rampart of the Las Vegas Range.  With elevation ranging from 2,400 feet to 6,943 feet at the summit of Gass Peak, this area presents a wide diversity of vegetation and habitats for wildlife.  Separated from the greater portion of the Las Vegas Range by a fault valley, Gass Peak creates an outstanding prominence in its own right, though the highest point of the range lies 9 miles northeast at Quarzite Mountain.  Ecological systems range from broad alluvial fans dominated by the Creosote Bush Community to the upper alluvial valleys which support a wide diversity of cacti and yuccas, including Joshua trees.  The highest elevations of Gass Peak are cloaked in vegetation that characterize the Blackbrush Community.  Paleozoic limestone formations paint Gass Peak with bold, contrasting bands of color and create steep and rugged cliffs.  The summit of Gass Peak provides outstanding vistas, including a raptors-eye-view of urban Las Vegas.  The proximity of this area to Las Vegas provides visitors with an expedient option to leave the city and immerse themselves in wilderness.     

Wildlife: Townsend's big-eared bat, pallid bat,