The 68,623 acres of the Highland Ridge Wilderness protects the natural resources and wildlife habitat of the South Snake Range, one of the most diverse ecosystems in Nevada.  With elevations rising from 6,000 feet to almost 11,000 feet, Highland Ridge presents an outstanding landscape representative of both Nevada’s Basins and Ranges. Immediately north of the Wilderness the South Snake Range splits into two massive and rugged ridge lines, the west Highland Ridge which continues south from Lincoln Peak, and the east ridge that continues south and east of Granite Peak.  Between these 9,000+ foot ridges, a series of long, south-draining washes cut decisively into the limestone and volcanic rocks that comprise the core of this area.  Contiguous and north of the Highland Ridge Wilderness, Great Basin National Park includes the iconic highpoint of the South Snake Range, the 13,063-foot high Wheeler Peak/Doso Doyabi glacial cirque. Together, Highland Ridge Wilderness and Great Basin National Park create a bastion 145,773 acres of protected habitat and wild lands. Friends of Nevada Wilderness played an important role in the conservation protections for the South Snake Range. See the Additional Resources Tab on the left for the Conservation History of this magnificent area.