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Bristlecone Wilderness
Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Bristlecone Wilderness (map of the Bristlecone Wilderness) in 2006 and it now has a total of See Bristlecone Wilderness breakdown of 14,095 acres.
All of this Wilderness is located in Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Description
The Bristlecone Wilderness lies in the Egan Range in eastern Nevada. Heusser Mountain stands at 9,409 feet and provides spectacular views of Steptoe Valley and the Schell Creek Range. Elevations within the Wilderness boundaries range from 7,380 to 9,859 feet. Vegetation consists primarily of desert brush and grass at the lower elevations and a scattering of pinyon pine and juniper stands on the upland slopes. Groves of aspen exist in several drainages, including Rattlesnake Canyon. This area’s namesake, the bristlecone pine, is found in this wilderness as well, particularly along the northern ridgeline. Spring can be magnificent in this wilderness, with blooms of globemallow, paintbrush, blue flax, and expanses of arrow-leaf balsam root.There is high potential for spotting pronghorn antelope on the lower slopes and mule deer higher up. Rumors of big horn sheep in these hills abound. An occasional badger may cross your path as well.
Leave No Trace
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Bristlecone Wilderness.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.