The United States Congress designated the Alta Toquima Wilderness in 1989 and it now has a total of 35,860 acres. All of the wilderness is in Nevada and is managed by the Forest Service.
Steep and sharply cut with many rocky canyons, the Toquima Mountain Range lies between Big Smoky Valley on the west and Monitor Valley on the east in central Nevada. In the central portion of the range you'll find Alta Toquima Wilderness, rising from gentler terrain in the northern section to more rugged ground that peaks in the south on Mount Jefferson. This massif stands boldly prominent, a collection of three summits on a ridge eight miles long and two miles wide, with a high point of 11,949 feet. On a clear day, you can stand on this ridge and see all the way to the mountains in California and Utah.
From sagebrush and grass at lower elevations, the vegetation turns to pinyon-juniper woodlands and finally to limber pine and a few patches of aspen in the higher country. Pine Creek supports a native population of trout, and the slopes are home to deer, bighorn sheep, grouse, and chukar.
Trails from the north, east, and south provide access to the crest. The western side of the Wilderness is seldom seen.
Directions
Alta Toquima?s main access is from several locations on the eastern side of Toquima Range, with limited access from Smoky Valley. The nearest trailheads of Pine Creek and Pasco Canyon are located along the old Austin Belmont stage coach route, now BLM route 82. Access is also available from Moores Creek located along Alta Toquima Range Road, Forest Road 008.
Maps and trail information are available from the Ranger Stations in Austin and Tonopah.
Nearest Nevada Towns: Austin and Tonopah
Comments
Be the first to leave a comment, advice, or personal anecdote.
Leave a Comment