Comstock National Historic District Exploring the area surrounding the wild west mining towns of Virginia City and Dayton is a great adventure for mountain bikers or OHV enthusiasts.
Desert National Wildlife Range Desert National Wildlife Range includes more than 1.5 million acres (over 2,300 square miles) in southern Nevada. The vast refuge is large enough to cover the state of Rhode Island twice and still have enough room left over for a quarter of a million football fields. This is the largest national wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states. The refuge forms one of the largest intact blocks of desert bighorn sheep habitat remaining in the Southwest.The refuge contains six major mountain ranges rising to an elevation of almost 10,000'. Annual rainfall ranges from less than 4" in the valleys to more than 15" on the highest peaks. The wide range of elevation and rainfall has created amazingly diverse habitat suited to a variety of plants and animals. Over 500 plant species, 320 bird species, 53 mammal species, 35 reptile species, and 4 amphibian species have been identified in seven life zones. The boundaries between these zones are seldom sharp. The lower communities extend upward on the warm south-facing slopes, and the higher communities descend downslope on cooler or moister sites.Near 10,000' in the Sheep Mountain Range, where growing seasons are shortest, the only trees are bristlecone pines. At 7,500-9,000', where snow and rain linger, ponderosa pine and white fir dominate nearly closed canopy forests. Open canopy woodlands dominated by Utah juniper and single-leaf pinyon occur from 6,000-7,500' with precipitation of 10-15" per year, much of which is snow.The blackbrush community is found at 4,200-6,000' on steep rolling hills. Different species of yucca, including Joshua tree, Mormon tea, and cholla cactus, are common associates. Joshua tree woodlands are commonly found at 3,000-5,000'. Although the apparently dominant species is the Joshua tree, most plant material consists of widely spaced shrubs. Open shrubland dominated by the creosote bush consists of widely spaced cacti and shrubs such as Mormon tea, bursage, and range ratney. Found at 2,400-3,600', this community receives less than 5" of rain. In some basins on the valley floors, particularly those with low nocturnal temperatures and very high soil salinity, the saltbrush community dominates. A good example of this community can be found between Corn Creek Field Station and Highway 95.
Ely Elk Viewing Area The largest herd of elk in Nevada can be observed feeding during the fall and spring seasons, both along the paved highway south of Ely and at the viewing area pull-out. Peak viewing times are October through November and March through April, with elk sometimes also seen in mid-winter. Other watchable wildlife species in the area include golden eagles, ravens, black-tailed jackrabbits and least chipmunks.
Fallon NWR Fallon NWR was established in 1931 as a refuge and breeding ground for birds and wild animals. It is located in the Lahontan Valley of western Nevada at the terminus of the Carson River. The refuge comprises over 15,000 acres of playa and wetland habitat in the Carson Sink. In years of high water-flows down the Carson River, the refuge is important for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. However, due to diversions, in most years there is insufficient water-flow down the Carson River to enter the refuge.The refuge is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. However, there are no facilities located on Fallon Refuge. Roads are primitive and passable only during those periods of dry weather.
Gap Mountain Campground 6 campsites. Elevation 5,220 feet. Adjoins the Wayne Kirch Wildlife Management Area.
Garnet Hill Elevation: 7000 ft. Rockhound site. Dark red garnets are the feature. Also view the open pit copper mine of the Robinson Mining District.
