Services, Getting There

Supplies: Winnemucca is about 40 miles to the north.

Hikes & Trails

Related Areas

Map Information

Benchmark Gazetteer, page 49.

Wilderness Area Status

Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Year Designated:

Act or Law:

Acres: 9324

State Region: Northwest Nevada

County Regions: Pershing   

Management

Managing Agency: Bureau of Land Management

Local District: Winnemucca Field Office

Contact Info: (775) 623-1500 5100 East Winnemucca Boulevard  Winnemucca , NV 89445 Visit the website (will open a new window)

Area Description

The China Mountain Additions include the outstanding landscape and wildlife habitats on the west and north sides of China Mountain.  This area provides the critical connectivity required for to assure habitat and genetic diversity for the Tobin Crest Wilderness proposal.  This area is also recognized as prime Greater Sage Grouse habitat. 

The additions include the dramatic cliffs that cascade down the west side of the China Mountain Plateau.  These limestone cliffs rise as high as several hundred feet, forming beautiful basins and rock formations.  Within these basins, wildflowers are abundant and mingle with grasses and the ever-present sagebrush.  The additions along the west side include clusters of springs denoted by vibrant splashes of green.  While the upper regions of this range are denoted by rough cliffs and topography, the middle elevations embrace a sagebrush ocean that rolls down into the foothills and continues out across the upper alluvial fans. Along the northern-most side of this area junipers begin to take hold and form a pleasant Nevada-style forest. 

Wildlife is abundant within the additions.  Numerous sage birds and other small animals thrive in the foothills including reptiles, rodents, and insects.  Jackrabbits are particularly common, and can often be seen darting through the sagebrush.  Numerous springs and ample sagebrush throughout the additions create an ideal habitat for sage grouse.  Large raptors can frequently be spotted thermalling and soaring high above the cliffs and ridges of this region.  Rugged cliffs and rock formations provide excellent roosting and perching opportunities for these magnificent birds.  Large mammals are also present in this area.  Antelope and mule deer are particularly common, roaming the hills both singularly and in small groups or herds.  Big horn sheep also call these craggy mountains home, and can occasionally be spotted throughout the area.  In addition, coyotes, mountain lions, and other predatory animals live in the area. 

Hiking and camping, hunting and horse-packing, rock scrambling are good here. Great views of the surrounding desert await hikers who make it to the upper reaches of the LWC. Cross-country skiing is popular here in the winter.