Location

The Big Rocks Wilderness is located in central Lincoln County approximately 24 miles west of Caliente, Nevada.

Getting There

Access to this Wilderness area from Caliente is via federal highway 93 westbound approximately 30 miles; turn right onto BLM road 2201 northbound. This dirt road runs along the western, northern, and eastern boundary of the Big Rocks Wilderness.

Area Description

The Big Rocks Wilderness lies to the North of the South Pahroc Range Wilderness and encompasses the southernmost portion of the North Pahroc Range. The topography of the area includes steep-sided mountains, several steep walled canyons, and a section of large jumbled boulders known as Mecca by the rock climbing community. Recreational opportunities include climbing, bouldering, camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and hunting.

The entire area provides excellent opportunities for solitude among the boulder field, along the steep ridgeline, or within one of the canyons draining off of the mountain range. The ruggedness of the terrain prevents access by motorized vehicles and leaves the majority of the land pristine.

Vegetation ranges from desert brush and grass at the lower elevations to pinyon and juniper stands at the middle and upper elevations. The area is composed of large boulder fields and varying colored layers of welded tuff that have weathered into unusual rock formations. This area is rich in rock art and primitive campsites.

Additional Information

Signs indicating "Wilderness" and "Closed Road" or "Closed Route" are placed at various intervals. Vehicles can be parked outside the wilderness boundary; however, the boundary is set back 100 feet on roads.

Mechanized and motorized vehicles are NOT PERMITTED in a wilderness area.

Hunting, fishing, and non-commercial trapping are allowed under state and local laws. Pets are allowed, but please keep your pets under control at all times. Horses are permitted, however you may need to carry feed. Removal, disturbance, or attempting to remove archaeological materials is a felony. Selling, receiving, purchasing, transporting, exchanging or offering to do so is prohibited by law.

Camping is permitted, limited to 14 days. After 14 days campers must relocate at least 25 miles from previous site (interim policy, until wilderness planning is complete). Gathering wood for campfires, when permitted, is limited to dead and down material. Live vegetation cannot be cut.

Please help preserve Nevada's fragile environments, park your vehicle or set up camp in previously used sites, minimize impacts by practicing Leave No Trace ethics.

Contact Ely Bureau of Land Management Field Office for current weather, road conditions, and hazards.

Contact Info:

Ely BLM Field Office
Phone: 775-289-1800
http://www.nv.blm.gov/ely