Services, Getting There

Supplies: Ely is 50 miles to northwest.

Hikes & Trails

Fortification Range Trails

Related Areas

Map Information

USGS topo: Gouge Eye Well, Indian Springs Knolls, Mount Grafton NE, The Gouge Eye. Benchmark Gazetteer: page 69.

Fortification Map (PDF)
source: BLM

Wilderness Area Status

Designated Wilderness Area
Year Designated: 2004

Act or Law: Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of 2004
Acres: 30656
State Region: Eastern Nevada
County Regions: Lincoln   

Management

Managing Agency: Bureau of Land Management
Local District: Ely Field Office
Contact Info: (775) 289-1800
702 North Industrial Way HC 33 Box 33500 Ely, NV89301
Visit the website (will open a new window)

Area Description

In a region of Nevada dominated by rugged limestone mountains, the Fortification Range proclaims its independence with a brilliant display of stark white and pale pink volcanic tuff formations. This wilderness offers a wide variety of terrain, from the gentle topography of the south to the rugged vertical ramparts of the north - culminating in the enormous natural amphitheater of upper Cottonwood Canyon.

Recreation
The north end of the area is the most scenic, in the vicinity of Cottonwood Canyon. Hikers and campers enjoy the weathered rock formations. It's a great place to study geology. Pinyon-juniper woodland blankets most of the southern part. Most of the Fortification Range is in a natural condition, preserved by thick forests and rugged volcanic rocks. The area is most frequently visited by hunters, trappers and people gathering pine nuts.

This wilderness is a component of the Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands.

Wildlife
A wide varitey of wildlife finds food and cover in the wild terrain including the Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake.

Click here for BLM Fact Sheet and Map (will open a new window)