CALICO MOUNTAINS (NEVADA)

The 'Calico Mountains' is a mountain range in Nevada. The range runs north to south along the western edge of the Black Rock Desert. This mountain range is located in western Humboldt and northern Pershing Counties, approximately 30 miles north of the town of Gerlach, NV. The best access to the Calico Mountains is located from the maintained Soldier Meadows Road (Humboldt County Road 200) that forms its eastern boundary.
The majority of the mountain range is divided into two federally designated wilderness areas and is part of the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. The Calico Mountains Wilderness is the southern end of the range. The Calico Mountains Wilderness contains many brightly colored and twisted geologic formations. Elevations in the wilderness range from 3,950 feet to 8,533 feet (Donnelly Peak). Atop Donnelley Peak one can see the Black Rock Desert, Pahute Peak, and the Granite Range. The overwhelming interest in the area is associated with the color of the rocks and minerals that can take on many hues of the rainbow, especially after a rain storms. The High Rock Lake Wilderness is part of the northern end of the Calicos Mountains.

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Calicos Mountain Wilderness Recreation

Calicos Mountain Wilderness Recreation

Rockhounding, hunting, and dayhiking are very popular activities in the wilderness. Photography of geologic formations and spring wildflowers is a favorite pastime of locals. Box, Fly, and Cherry Creek Canyons provide for excellent day-hiking, backpacking, photography, wildlife and wild horse viewing opportunities. Hunting for mule deer, antelope, and game birds is popular in the area.