Wilderness has long been a part of our nation’s heritage. People journey to the wilderness to climb to distant vistas, canoe to out-of-the-way areas of the lake, hike to secluded desert valleys, take memorable pictures, or camp out at night to stargaze. Whether you are looking for a self-reliant challenge, a new place to explore, or a chance to seek a refuge from our fast-paced, developed society – wilderness is a place to reconnect with oneself and with the land. Remember, as you explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area to keep these wild places beautiful for present as well as future visitors to enjoy.

Wilderness of Lake Mead National Recreation Area
 
Black Canyon Wilderness - Home to the picturesque and rugged Eldorado Mountains, this wilderness unit is a maze of peaks and side canyons with vertical cliffs extending to the edge of the Colorado River. Much of the terrain was formed by volcanism. This scenic area contains some remnants of past mining. Water is scarce and the summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees. Archeological resources include petroglyphs, lithic scatters and an intaglio. Mountain lions, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and jackrabbits are among the many creatures that inhabit the area. Watch closely for the side-blotched lizard, rattlesnake, or desert tortoise caught sunning itself in the afternoon sun.

Eldorado Wilderness - Contained within this wilderness unit are the striking Eldorado Mountains. An intricate web of peaks and side canyons with craggy cliffs extending to the waters of the Colorado River, the area is unmatched in its stark beauty. Jointly managed with the Bureau of Land Management, this prime bighorn sheep habitat of steep mountains contrasts sharply with the shoreline activities of migrating birds along the rivers edge.

Ireteba Peaks Wilderness - Within the wilderness is a portion of the Eldorado Mountains, gently rolling hills and wandering washes extending to Lake Mohave. Rugged mountains, secluded valleys, and flat alluvial fans provide opportunities for seclusion and isolation in a setting of scenic splendor. Teddy bear cholla forests, the threatened desert tortoise, and Townsend’s western big-eared bats are just some of the unique species surviving in this part of the Mojave Desert. This area is jointly managed with the Bureau of Land Management.

Nellis Wash Wilderness - Along the western side of the recreation area discover the Nellis Wash Wilderness area nestled in the isolated Newberry Mountains. Fingerlike drainages and alluvial fans extend eastward from the mountains toward Lake Mohave. Some mining has occurred in the area and adds an historic element that is a remnant of the old west. Summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees and the lack of water can be cause for caution when hiking or camping in the area. Jackrabbits, side-blotched lizards, snakes, and desert tortoise make their home in the area.

Bridge Canyon Wilderness - The Newberry Mountains, which rise to an elevation of 5,600 feet, offer a cool refuge from the heat of the surrounding desert lowlands. These imposing mountains contain wilderness strewn with rugged granite boulders, steep canyons, and intermittent springs and seeps. The rock outcrops and caves make this area very striking. Stands of cottonwood trees can be found along the Grapevine Wash and Sacatone Wash water courses. Canyon grape, cattails and rushes grow in Grapevine Canyon. Discover the petroglyphs of early Native Americans in the canyon, along with majestic bighorn sheep and the clever coyote. Reptiles include the Western chuckwalla, side-blotched lizard, Gila monster, and rattlesnakes, as well as desert tortoise habitat.

Spirit Mountain Wilderness - Also located in the Newberry Mountains this area contains granite boulders and rock outcrops. A place held sacred to the Native American cultures found in this area, the mountain plays a prominent role in the religion and mythology of the Yuman tribes of the lower Colorado River. They believe it is their spiritual birthplace. The Amacava people (ancestors of the modern day Mojave peoples) and perhaps, Southern Paiute people also camped here periodically. Members of the Yuman tribes continue to use the area according to their traditions. This wilderness area is jointly managed with the Bureau of Land Management.

Jimbilnan Wilderness - This wilderness unit contains mountainous terrain representing the northeast extremities of the Black Mountains. They contrast directly with the flat surface of the waters of Lake Mead in the distance. The colorful sand dunes in this area are known habitat for two rare plants, the Beaver Dam milkvetch and the sticky buckwheat.

Muddy Mountain Wilderness - This region of shadowy slot canyons, mind-bending geological formations and expansive views of Lake Mead is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Solitude and silence are common throughout the 3,521 acres of narrow canyons and gravelly washes found inside Lake Mead NRA. The landscape here displays a thriving Mojave Desert habitat of creosote bush, black brush, yucca, Joshua tree and desert willow. Watch for bighorn sheep, the banded Gila monster, and the desert tortoise.

Pinto Valley Wilderness - Comprised of rugged hills and scenic valleys, this unit contains Guardian Peak, one of the highest peaks within the area. The northern side of Boulder Canyon is formed by steep cliffs and barren rock which drop to the waters of Lake Mead in a dramatic fashion. Watch for the red sandstone outcroppings which merge with the green desert vegetation and the grays, browns, and yellows of the desert floor. This unique place is habitat for the rare Las Vegas bear poppy plant.