Nevada is part of what geologists call the Basin and Range Province; an area extending from northern Mexico to southern Oregon and Idaho that is dominated by long arid valleys separated by north-south mountain ranges.  It’s a rugged area formed by uplifted and downfallen blocks of the Earth’s crust with faults lying along both sides of the valleys.

With 314 mountain ranges, Nevada is the most mountainous state in the United States.  Five of these ranges are to be found in Black Rock-High Rock Country; many others are within sight. The higher areas of these five ranges are designated as wilderness areas. The wilderness areas and much of the other mountain areas provide exceptional natural scenery and extraordinary opportunities to experience solitude and the natural environment. The mountain and wilderness country is sprinkled with hidden natural wonders that are well worth a hike or horseback ride into the back country. One such spot is Colman Creek in the North Black Rock Range Wilderness, boasting a rare perennial stream with a waterfall in its upper reaches.

Total wilderness area is 1,175 square miles, which is more than three-quarters the size of Rhode Island.  The ten wilderness areas in Black Rock-High Rock Country range in size from 25,000 to 315,000 acres.  This vastness provides ample space in which to experience solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation.

Wilderness areas are closed to motor vehicles and mechanical transport and equipment, including mountain bikes, wheeled game carriers, chainsaws, and similar kinds of motorized or mechanized equipment.  However, persons requiring the use of wheelchairs may use them in wilderness, but no special accommodations are made for such use. Roads that are outside of wilderness areas or that have been excluded from wilderness designation, such as the 33 cherry-stem roads that dead-end into wilderness areas, are open to motor vehicles, mountain bikes, and mechanical transport and equipment.

Wilderness Peaks
There are three outstanding peaks to climb in the wilderness areas.  King Lear in the South Jackson Mountains Wilderness, at 8,923 feet is the highest point in Black Rock-High Rock Country and features a nearly 3,000 foot clear prominence at its top.

Pahute Peak (pronounced pi yoot) or “Big Mountain” in the Pahute Peak Wilderness, at 8,594 feet provides great views of the northern part of Black Rock-High Rock Country.

Donnelly Peak is centrally located in the Calico Mountains Wilderness, and at 8,533 feet offers spectacular panoramic views of nearly the entire Black Rock-High Rock Country.