 | | The United States Congress designated the Arc Dome Wilderness in 1989 and it now has a total of 115,000 acres. The entire wilderness is in Nevada. The largest of Nevada's Wildernesses, Arc Dome comprises the southern third of the Toiyabe Range, a rugged spine of mountains with difficult access, and includes the range's highest summits. Much of the Wilderness lies above 10,000 feet, but Arc Dome itself, at 11,775 feet, dominates the area. On the west side, the ground rises gradually from the Reese River Valley; on the east, rocky canyons break up steep inclines. Vegetation consists of sagebrush and grass lower down, and gives way to pinon-juniper higher up, with occasional stands of pine and aspen. Much of the high country is open, affording visitors outstanding expansive views.Desert bighorn sheep, once abundant in the state, seldom appear except in the Jett Canyon-Twin Rivers region in the eastern section. Mountain lions, bobcats, deer, beavers, grouse, and raptors are more established, but it's the trout in the Reese River, South Twin Creek, and North Twin Creek that qualify as a bona fide wildlife attraction (among anglers, at least).Trails from the eastern boundary give access to both Twin Creeks and some beautiful country. The Toiyabe Crest Trail, a 72-mile designated National Recreation Trail, sweeps through more than 30 miles of the area, from a parking lot at Ophir Summit to a parking lot at South Twin, offering access to the summit of Arc Dome. This trail boasts great views but little water, and subsequently feels the tread of few human feet. The Cow Canyon Trail, from the western boundary, follows the Reese River for about a mile, then splits to give access to other trails and anywhere in the area you'd care to visit. Of all the trails, it generates the most human use. Twenty acres of Arc Dome Wilderness lie on BLM land. |
| |  | | | Facilities: No facilities are provided at Arc Dome Wilderness. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Arc Dome Wilderness. Best Time To Visit: Arc Dome Wilderness is open year round. Fees: No fees are charged. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Minimize campfire impacts. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors. All motorized vehicles are prohibited. Directions: To reach Arc Dome Wilderness from Tonopah, take Hwy 6 east to Hwy 376. Follow Hwy 376 north and watch for signs. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Tonopah Ranger District-Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest | | P.O. Box 3940 | | Tonopah, Nevada 89049 |
| | | Phone | | General: (775) 482-6286 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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