The United States Congress designated the Arc Dome Wilderness in 1989 and it now has a total of 115,000 acres. All of the wilderness is in Nevada and is managed by the Forest Service.
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 pinyon-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.
Directions
Access to the Arc Dome Wilderness is from State Route 376 on the east side of the range, via county and Forest Service roads. Gas, groceries, and camping supplies are available along SR376 in Hadley, Carvers, and Kingston and along Highway 50 in Austin. Those planning to take the Toiyabe Crest Trail may want to arrange for pickup at the opposite end from where they start.
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