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Services; Getting There Austin is about 40 miles northwest; Access is via Forest Road 43023 or 43138. Hikes & Trails Related Areas White Rock Mtn and Masket Pk Citizen Areas are immediatly north Atlas Information Benchmark pg 58; DeLorme pg 46 |
Citizen Proposed Area Management Managing Agency: Forest Service Area Description Wildcat Peak, at 10,508 ft is the highpoint of the North Toquima Range and is the most prominent in shape and form, with many steep cliffs surrounding the summit block. The hood shaped peak is visible from many vantage points throughout the unit, towering over the landscape. Incredible canyons diverge from the central part of the range. Northumberland and Wildcat canyons in the west are beautiful, with rhyolite and ash flow formations lining their deep gorges. Most of the complex is forested, but in the heart of the range is a beautiful, rolling sagebrush plain with many seeping springs, north of the main peaks. Surrounding the unit on both the east and west are alluvial lowlands: Monitor Valley in the east, and the lower elevation Big Smoky Valley to the west. Piñon Pine and Utah Juniper compose the mid elevation plant life, growing thick in jungle-like woodlands in steep canyons and mountain slopes. Mountain mahogany can be found in the upper reaches of this zone and in the high elevation zones. These beautiful trees showcase the spectacular, windswept character of the high desert landscape so well captured by the Wildcat Peak area. Aspens grow in the presence of water and in large groves among the sage meadows and mahogany groves of this vast, high desert montane zone. Above 9,000 ft limber pine and bristlecone pine sparsely cover ridgelines and plateaus. Riparian areas are plentiful and very healthy throughout the range. Healthy communities consisting of wild rose, native grasses, aspen, willow, and serviceberry surround the most lush areas. Wildlife Prime habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the elusive sage grouse can be found throughout the area. The Toquima Range boasts one of the healthiest populations of Mule deer in the entire state of Nevada, with winter and summer habitat readily available. Besides the sage grouse and the Mule deer, wildlife includes: elk; pronghorn antelope; feral horses and burros; cougar; coyote; cottontail rabbit; jackrabbit; golden eagle; harrier, swainson, coopers and red tail hawk; northern kite; long eared and great horned owl; kestrel and prairie falcon; sparrows; nuthatch; northern flicker; bluebird; raven; clarks nutcracker; horned lark; sage thrasher; horned, collared and sagebrush lizards. |
Wilderness Area Status