Arc Dome Wilderness

The Arc Dome Wilderness comprises the southern third of the Toiyabe Range, a rugged spine of mountains with difficult access, and includes the range's highest summits. Much of the Wilderness lies above 10,000 feet, but Arc Dome itself, at 11,775 feet, dominates the area. On the west side the ground rises gradually from the Reese River Valley; on the east, rocky canyons break up steep inclines. Much of the high country is open, affording outstanding expansive views. Vegetation is sagebrush and grass lower down, giving way to pinion-juniper higher up with occasional stands of pine and aspen. Desert bighorn sheep, once abundant in the state, seldom appear except in the Jett Canyon–Twin Rivers region in the eastern section. Mountain lions, bobcats, deer, beavers, grouse, and raptors are more established, but it's the trout in the Reese River, South Twin Creek, and North Twin Creek that qualify as a bona fide wildlife attraction (among anglers, at least). Trails from the eastern boundary give access to both Twin Creeks and some beautiful country. The Toiyabe Crest Trail, a 72-mile designated National Recreation Trail, sweeps through more than 30 miles of the area, from a parking lot at Ophir Summit to a parking lot at South Twin, offering access to the summit of Arc Dome. This trail boasts great views but little water, and subsequently feels the tread of few human feet. The Cow Canyon Trail, from the western boundary, follows the Reese River for about a mile, then splits to give access to other trails and most of the Wilderness. The whole of the Wilderness lies in Nevada and is managed by the Forest Service. Congress designated it in 1989.