While conservationists have worked for decades to permanently protect this popular gem just outside of Reno, protection has not yet happened. But rest assured, we are still trying! 

The Tule Peak area affords an outstanding diversity of natural habitats.  The western edge of the area rises gently from the edge of the Winnemucca Valley in broad, rolling foothills supporting scattered stands of juniper within plains of native Great Basin sagebrush and grass communities. Suddenly these rolling hills terminate in rugged, steep canyons and walls climbing over 3000 feet up to the top of the Virginia Range.  Springs and short stretches of perennial streams lie hidden back in the craggy canyons.  The cliff faces on the western side provide excellent nesting habitat for raptors.  The 8700-foot elevations of the knife-like Tule Ridge form highest point in the area culminating in Tule Peak itself.  These highest elevations provide extensive grasslands and dwarf sagebrush communities to support upland birds and summer habitat for mule deer. The southern portion of the area features colorful rhyolite rock layers and fantastic geological formations.